Issues
Ford Extended Coverage Program – 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar
Dealer Bulletin Owner Letter
Transmissions Prompt Large Honda Recall
04/15/04
Christopher Jensen
Plain Dealer Auto Editor
Honda is recalling about 600,000 of its popular sport utilities and minivans in the U.S. and Canada because the automatic transmissions may fail, the automaker announced Wednesday.
The five-speed transmissions made in Russells Point, Ohio, near Marysville are used in some 2002, 2003 and early 2004 Honda Odyssey minivans as well as 2003 and early 2004 Honda Pilot sport utilities. Also covered are 2001 and 2002 Acura MDX sport utilities.
Technology Puts Unintended Acceleration Back in Spotlight
By Jayne O’Donnell and David Kiley, USA TODAY
What They Said: Reaction
The Detroit News
4/13/04
“We have to tackle this problem. That’s not me being hysterical. That’s me looking at the data.â€
Jeffrey Runge
NHTSA director
Options Exist for Stronger Roofs
Structural foam, high-strength steel would absorb impact, create ‘simple fix,’ some say.
Here are some ways automakers could bolster vehicle roof strength:
* High-strength steel. Alloys can add strength without weight, but tend to be costlier.
* Structural foam. Cheap and well-known, keeps beams from bending.
* Automaker options
* Reinforced pillars. Makes them stronger during a crash.
Divergent Data Muddle Debate
WASHINGTON As it prepares to seek tougher roof-strength standards, the federal government is searching for answers in a sea of divergent research.
Most of the research into the impact of crushing roofs has been generated in the course of high-stakes personal injury lawsuits.
Computer Simulation: Types of Rollovers
Tripped rollovers
NHTSA data show that 95% of single-vehicle rollovers are tripped. This happens when a vehicle leaves the roadway and slides sideways, digging its tires into soft soil or striking an object such as a curb or guardrail. The high tripping force applied to the tires in these situations can cause the vehicle to roll over.
One of the best ways to avoid a rollover, therefore, is to stay on the road. Electronic Stability Control is a promising new technology that will help drivers stay on the road in emergency situations.
Ex-GM Executive Turns Courtroom Crusader
Expert witness, lawyer use automaker’s data to win $26M test case
Safety Test Ignores Real-Life Conditions
Automakers argue decades-old test is fair and easy to repeat
WASHINGTON – In an age of computer-aided design, high-tech crash tests and multimillion-dollar dummies, the test the federal government uses to assess roof strength is a relic of an earlier era.
Thousands Killed, Hurt as Auto Roofs Collapse
Brandy Baker / The Detroit News;Dan McCord
Penny Shipler was riding in this Chevrolet S-10 Blazer.
