Issues
IIHS Press Release: Cell Phone Use
July 12 , 2005
1ST EVIDENCE OF EFFECTS OF CELL PHONE USE ON INJURY CRASHES:
CRASH RISK IS FOUR TIMES HIGHER WHEN DRIVER IS USING A HAND-HELD CELL PHONE
Volkswagen of America Settlement Fact Sheet
Manufacturers of new motor vehicles must file an emission defect information report (EDIR) with EPA not more than 15 working days after an emission-related defect is found to affect 25 vehicles or engines of the same model year.
Violation: Volkswagen of America, Inc. failed file EDIR for one year after discovery of emission defect
Penalty: $1.1 million
Remediation/Injunctive Relief:
Volkswagen of America, Inc., Agrees to Pay More Than $1 Million for Clean Air Act Violation
Contact: Stacie Keller, 202-564-4355 / [email protected]
DOJ: 202-514-2007; TDD: 202-514-1888
Volkswagen of America Clean Air Act Settlement
On June 15, 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Justice announced a major Clean Air Act settlement with Volkswagen of America, Inc., to resolve Volkswagen’s failure to promptly notify EPA and correct defective oxygen sensors on at least 329,000 of their 1999, 2000 and 2001 Golfs, Jettas and New Beetles.
Not the Top of the Safety Priorities
Danny Hakim
New York Times
DETROIT, May 13 – Volvo has promoted the sturdiness of its cars’ roofs since it ran advertisements in the 1970’s showing seven Volvo sedans stacked up, asking, "Are you in the market for a hardtop?"
And Volvo, in introducing its first sport utility vehicle in 2002, the XC90, had a promotional video claiming the strength of the roof "exceeds the legal requirements in the U.S.A. by more than 100 percent."
Ford pushes to seal memos on vehicle roof strength
Evidence in Florida Volvo trial reveals correlation between design and injury.
By Jeff Plungis / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON — Ford Motor Co. is fighting a two-front battle — one in a Florida court, the other with federal safety regulators — to seal documents that suggest roof strength is key to protecting people in rollover crashes.
Chrysler exec warns of engine vulnerability
 Tuesday, May 17, 2005 Christopher JensenPlain Dealer Auto Editor
Alton, Va.- Chrysler’s 2.7-liter V-6 is more vulnerable to sludge damage if oil changes are not done at the proper time because the automaker decided to use less oil in the engine, said a top Chrysler engineer who helped develop it.
The engine has angered some consumers who have suffered engine failures because sludge, a gelling or thickening of oil as it ages, can reduce the lubrication of an engine, causing it to fail.
Chrysler has denied any defect and blamed problems on poor maintenance.
Chrysler’s LaSorda on quality: Fix it now
Source of a warranty woe is tagged, told to solve it quickly
By Mary Connelly
Automotive News / May 09, 2005
Ford, Volvo Clash on Roof Design
Auto regulators take internal files off the Web that depict a conflict over the safety feature.By Myron Levin
Times Staff Writer
May 4, 2005
Federal auto safety regulators have taken the unusual step of removing documents on vehicle roof design from a government website at the request of Ford Motor Co. The material includes internal reports from Ford and its Volvo subsidiary that suggest the Swedish automaker views sturdy roofs as an important safety feature, a stance at odds with that of its parent company.