GM, Kia Face Growing Investigation
General Motors Corp. and Kia Motors Corp. are facing an expanded U.S. auto safety investigation and possible recalls because of fuel leaks that may occur on more than 760,000 vehicles. Gasoline may leak into the engine on 483,000 Cadillacs and Oldsmobile Auroras models for 1995 through 1997, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. A total of 278,266 Kia Spectra and Sephia sedans from the 2000 and 2001 model years are being checked for spills during refueling, which led to the recall of 100,000 Sephias made before 2000.
Siemens VDO Automotive Expands Detroit-Area Testing Facility
Siemens VDO Automotive is investing $2 million to transform its former machining and tooling shop in Auburn Hills, Mich., into a 5,000-square-foot fuel validation test center for its Powertrain Fuel Supply Systems (FS) division. The project is expected to be complete in May 2004. The new fuel validation laboratory will bring product testing and validation closer to local development engineers and Detroit-based customers, said the company.
Axles, Wheels on Crown Vics Investigated
Ford Motor Co.’s Crown Victoria sedans, the subject of lawsuits over fatal fires and a recall of some 2003 models for potential wheel cracks, face a U.S. inquiry after police departments said axles broke or wheels fell off. The investigation covers 287,819 police and civilian 2003 models of the Crown Victoria and the similar Mercury Grand Marquis and Lincoln Town Car, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on its Web site. Two police fleets reported that axles broke or wheels fell off on a total of four cars, without accidents or injuries, the agency said.
Car Care Council Spokesperson Lauren Fix to Appear on NBC’s “Today” Show Tomorrow
Car Care Council spokesperson Lauren Fix will be a guest on NBC’s “Today” show tomorrow to discuss preparing viewers cars for extreme winter weather. She will also provide safe driving tips during the winter season.
Sarah Fisher and Larry Hoofnagle to be Featured on C.A.R. Show
IRL IndyCar Series driver and Raybestos Safety Campaign spokesperson Sarah Fisher, and Larry Hoofnagle, director of marketing for Brake Parts Inc., will be featured on the C.A.R. Show radio program on Saturday, January 31. The broadcast will air between 9 – 11 a.m. EST. During the broadcast, Hoofnagle and Fisher will discuss the importance of vehicle maintenance and the need to educate consumers about taking proper care of their vehicle’s braking system through annual brake inspections, maintenance and repair.
Automakers Help Allies Handle Crises
Seeking to mitigate disaster costs after events such as 9/11 and last year’s blackout, Detroit automakers said Wednesday they’ll ask their suppliers and dealers to take part in a crisis management plan that will prepare them for emergencies. The automakers, working together through a trade organization called the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), released a booklet that could serve as a guide for suppliers and dealers that either don’t have a contingency plan or want to modify an existing one. GM said that it will begin rolling out the process to all its 3,700 suppliers next week. The AIAG said the plan is voluntary for suppliers and will result in minimal costs for the companies.
Executive Interview with Rich White, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, AAIA, and Executive Director of the Car Care Council
Rich White is vice president of marketing and communications for the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). He oversees marketing, public relations, media relations, publications, Web sites and most recently, the Car Care Council and the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign. With National Car Care Month just around the corner, White provided aftermarketNews.com with an update on the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign and the Car Care Council’s plans for this year. He also shared how aftermarket companies can become more involved in the campaign.
Car Care Council Reports Increased Web Site Usage, Women’s Board Membership Up
In 2003, usage of the Car Care Council’s Car Care Newspaper Supplement (CCNS) Web site grew dramatically, the council said. The growth coincides with the first year of the Car Care Council’s “Be Car Care Aware” consumer-education campaign. In addition to the news of increased usage of Car Care Council materials, the Car Care Council Women’s Board’s announced that its membership more than doubled in 2003, setting a record high number.
U-Haul Bars Trailers for Explorers
U-Haul International, North America’s largest trailer company announced yesterday that it will no longer allow trailer rentals for Ford Explorers, the popular SUVs which have been involved in numerous rollover crashes in recent years. U-Haul said the decision was not based on safety concerns, but due to the excessive costs of defending liability lawsuits related to the vehicle.