Category: Automotive

Tesla to roll out 2nd Generation of Self-Driving technology – “Should we be worried?”

Tesla will be slowly rolling out a second generation of self-driving technology for cars. Ever since their auto-pilot system was involved in an accident resulting in a fatality last year, this updated technology is set to be cautiously and slowly marketed.

But with the problematic history for self-drive cars – something Tesla have been at the heart of – the big question is this: should we be worried about these new self-driving cars, and will they ever be truly safe?
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General Motors company to pay $1 million for lack of communication with accountants

General Motors is set to pay $1 million in civil penalty fines for not notifying accountants of a proposed recall.

Back in Spring of 2012, the company were aware of a potential safety recall, but reportedly failed to let accountants know. This failure prevented accountants from assessing the financial impact the recall may have, including any potential losses. This information was allegedly kept from accountants for around 18 months, though it is unclear whether this was intentional or an expensive oversight.
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Regulators reportedly find no evidence of defect in Tesla car involved in fatal Autopilot crash

Regulators have concluded their investigations into Tesla Model S cars, which was prompted by the death of a man named Joshua Brown in May of 2016. The driver was using the self-drive autopilot system when he collided with a truck.

The Regulators report apparently blames human error rather than the unfamiliar new technology…
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Nissan recalls over 150,000 vehicles over potentially deadly airbags.

Nissan has recalled a total of 152,554 vehicles after reports of defective airbag inflators causing injury and death. The airbag inflators may rupture: exploding and shooting metal fragments into the cabin of the car; potentially causing substantial harm.

This defect is susceptible to rupturing for a number of reasons:

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VW’s fines and penalties hailed as strong deterrent

Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has hailed fines and penalties inflicted upon the VW Group as a great success for deterring further cheating from other automakers.

According to Reuters, Christopher Grundler, director of EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, in a meeting with automotive engineers commented on the effectiveness of the fines and penalties. He said, “It gets everybody’s attention”.
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Takata to plead guilty for the airbag defect scandal

Major auto part maker Takata is set to plead guilty and pay a $1 billion settlement in a plea agreement over an airbag fault scandal.

It has been called one of the “largest and most complex safety recall” cases in history, with defects linked to 16 deaths worldwide, and a further 100 injuries reported.

The airbag’s defect can lead to a sudden explosion, shooting sharp metal fragments into the cars cabin. A safety device that’s intended to save lives has ended up costing them instead.
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Land Rovers and Jaguars rolling away while parked reportedly causing injuries

According to automotive regulators, some Land Rover SUVs and Jaguar XF sedans have been reported to cause injuries after the vehicles rolled away while parked.

Seven reports were received of rollaway vehicles for the following models: year 2012-2014 Land Rover Evoque sport-utility vehicles; and 2013 Jaguar XF sedan vehicles.

It’s thought that approximately 39,000 vehicles could be affected by the problem though, which is a lot of potential accidents waiting to happen…
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Why have affected Honda Odyssey minivan owners had to wait six years for a remedy?

Honda have been in the firing line following their reportedly lax attitude in recalling defective minivans.

Vehicle owners have reported that their minivans’ second row seats are unstable. The second-row seats have a lever that allows the seats to slide forward so that passengers can access the third row.

The Japanese automakers state that the release lever may remain unlocked due to a manufacturing fault of the spring, which allows the second-row seats to move spontaneously – also known as free-sliding.

In the event of a crash, an unlocked seat could jolt second-row passengers forward, which could cause disastrous injuries; which is rather worrying…
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General Motors and Honda are recalling approximately 634,000 vehicles in the U.S. due to defects

Dealers in the U.S. are recalling 327 Buick Envision SUVs and around 634,000 Honda Odyssey Minivans due to defects that may cause injuries or potentially, death.

This is yet another mass recall the automotive industry is embroiled in, and there seem to be recalls happening almost all of the time!
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Investigations open into Smart car fires and explosions

Yet another car manufacturer has hit the news. Multiple complaints of Smart cars allegedly bursting into flames have been reported, which is not an issue to ignore!

Manufactured by Smart USA, the 2008-2009 year models of the Smart ForTwo cars are available in over 50 countries, with about 100,000 units sold per year. Mercedes Benz is the parent company of the manufacturer, and the current investigation is looking in to some 40,000 Smart ForTwos arising from complaints.
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