Chrysler resolves recall issue with NHTSA, will inspect, upgrade affected Jeeps

Chrysler made big news earlier in the month by refusing a recall request from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 1993-2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Jeep Liberty. Last week, NHTSA boss David Strickland countered by defending his agency's request for the recall of 2.7 million Jeep SUVs. Today marked the deadline for Chrysler to formally respond to NHTSA, and it seems that both parties have met in the middle with Chrysler inspecting and upgrading some of the affected vehicles without using the word "recall," which would constitute the admission of a defect; instead, Chrysler said that it is conducting a "voluntary campaign."

At issue on these vehicles is the positioning of the fuel tank behind the rear axle that could get damaged during a rear-end collision. NHTSA has stated that at least 51 people have been killed in rear-end collisions involving these Jeeps after the vehicles caught fire, to which Chrysler countered by pointing out that both models "met and exceeded" the requirements for fuel-system integrity.

As a compromise on the situation, Chrysler says that it will inspect all pre-2004 Grand Cherokees and pre-2007 Liberty models and, "if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle." According toAutomotive News, this upgrade will consist of adding a trailer hitch that will presumably better protect the rear-mounted gas tank. Vehicles already equipped with a factory or Mopar hitch will not be modified. Chrysler's official statement on the matter is posted below, but no additional information has been released, such as when the campaign will begin and how many vehicles could be affected.

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Chrysler Group and NHTSA Resolve Recall Request
Auburn Hills, Mich. , Jun 18, 2013 - Chrysler Group LLC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have resolved their differences with respect to NHTSA's request to recall 1993-2004 Jeep® Grand Cherokee and 2002-07 Jeep Liberty vehicles.

As a result of the agreement, Chrysler Group will conduct a voluntary campaign with respect to the vehicles in question that, in addition to a visual inspection of the vehicle will, if necessary, provide an upgrade to the rear structure of the vehicle to better manage crash forces in low-speed impacts.

Chrysler Group's analysis of the data confirms that these vehicles are not defective and are among the safest in the peer group. Nonetheless, Chrysler Group recognizes that this matter has raised concerns for its customers and wants to take further steps, in coordination with NHTSA, to provide additional measures to supplement the safety of its vehicles.

Chrysler Group regards safety as a paramount concern and does not compromise on the safety of our customers and their families.

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2014 Cadillac CTS starts $7k higher than last model at $46,025*

The redesigned 2014 Cadillac CTS will be more powerful, stylish and luxurious than its predecessor, but it will also be much more expensive. With a new starting price of $46,025 (*including $925 for destination), the 2014 CTS represents a price increase of more than $7,000 compared to the 2013 model, but it should be more appropriately sized and equipped to take on rivals like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which start at $47,800 and $51,900, respectively.

Available trim levels – referred to as Collections – include Luxury, Performance and Premium, offering either a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder or a 3.6-liter V6 and the choice of either rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. For more performance, the all-new CTS Vsport model will have an asking price of $59,995. This 420-horsepower model is more powerful than both the BMW 550i and Mercedes E550 and about $2,000 less expensive than both.

There's still no word on what Cadillac has in store for a next-gen CTS-V sedan, but we're guessing power and price will both rise considerably. Scroll down for more info on the 2014 CTS that is set to go on sale this fall.

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All-New CTS Sedan Ascends into Midsize Luxury Segment
More than 20 new features come standard with all-new model launching this fall

DETROIT – When the all-new 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan arrives in dealerships this fall, it will offer more interior space, power and technology with more than 20 new standard features compared with the current model.

Inside and out, the third-generation CTS sedan grows, ascending into the heart of the midsize luxury market, with an all-new design that is longer, lower and leaner. The new CTS is five inches longer, expanding interior space, but also 244 pounds lighter than the previous model. It is expected to be the lightest car in its segment.

"CTS has always been Cadillac's centerpiece, and as our brand expands and elevates the car properly grows to its true place" said David Leone, CTS executive chief engineer. "With last year's addition of the award-winning ATS compact luxury sedan, CTS will directly challenge the luxury midsize competition with uncompromised performance, luxury and technology."

The 2014 CTS standard model will start at $46,025, including $925 destination. Three Collections of option packages – Luxury, Performance and Premium – will be offered with either the 2.0T turbocharged four cylinder or 3.6L naturally aspirated V6 engine in either rear- or all-wheel drive.

CTS will be offered with a choice of three powertrains, including a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 272 horsepower and goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds – 1.5 seconds faster than the outgoing model. Standard front Brembo brakes with ferritic-nitro carburizing, or FNC, anti-corrosion rotors give CTS braking performance that Cadillac expects to be best in the segment. Magnetic Ride Control, the world's fastest-reacting suspension and a hallmark of V-Series models, is now standard on base models with 18-inch wheels.

Selectable drive modes will allow drivers to adjust the vehicle's performance dynamics for touring, ice and snow, or sport driving. The CTS Vsport model features the new Cadillac Twin-Turbo 3.6L V6 engine with an SAE-certified 420 horsepower and a "track" drive mode with specific Magnetic Ride Control calibration and enhanced throttle progression for greater track performance.

The Vsport model contains the highest-performing components, led by the all-new Twin Turbo V6. The CTS Vsport model starts at $59,995, including $925 destination, and comes equipped with an electronic limited slip differential and eight-speed automatic transmission in RWD only.

Inside, all CTS models are equipped with CUE, Cadillac's breakthrough system for connectivity and control featuring an eight-inch fully reconfigurable touch screen. CUE brings tablet-like functionality into the CTS with functions such as haptic feedback to confirm selections, proximity sensing to reveal hidden icons, gesture recognition and capacitive touch. A 5.7-inch display in the instrument cluster allows the driver to control radio, phone and navigation functions through steering wheel controls without having to take his eyes off the road.

CTS will come with an 11-speaker Bose premium audio system with HD radio capability. Users will have several options for streaming portable media devices with three USB ports and one auxiliary and SD card port.

Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. In recent years, Cadillac has engineered a historic renaissance led by artful engineering and advanced technology. More information on Cadillac can be found atmedia.cadillac.com.

MyFord Touch getting buttons and knobs back to counter criticisms

Ford deserves credit for being a front-runner in offering advanced infotainment technology with its Sync and MyFord Touch systems, but continued consumer complaints over its confusing touchscreen interface and capacitive controls has made the automaker relent. The Wall Street Journal reports that physical buttons and knobs for controlling tuning and volume will be coming back to Ford vehicles equipped with the controversial infotainment system.

The 2013 F-150 with MyFord Touch gives us a glimpse of what the new layout with buttons and knobs might look like, as Ford says a similar balance of touch screen capability and buttons/knobs are what's being planned for future models. And, while capacitive controls have no fans in the halls of Autoblog, many of Ford's models with MyFord Touch do have a large physical knob for adjusting volume with integrated buttons for tuning and advancing tracks, though most of those are models with the optional upgraded Sony Audio system. Lincoln models with MyLincoln Touch, however, feature only capacitive controls for all stereo and climate functions.

Despite receiving enough complaints to throw buttons and knobs back into the mix (a move that reminds us of BMW's iDrive trajectory, among others), Ford reports that Sync and MyFord Touch have still been sold on 79 percent of its 2013 model year vehicles, a number it claims is double the rate that Honda and Toyota are getting for their infotainment systems. Ford also states that owners who do opt for the duo of technologies are more satisfied with overall vehicle quality than those who don't have it.

While Ford's own numbers may show high rates of satisfaction, other surveys, specifically the J.D. Power & Associates Initial Quality Study, have taken a hit in recent years on account of new owners reacting to MyFord Touch and its buttonless capacitive controls. Ford's ranking in the IQS plummeted to below average in 2011 after the system's debut, which prompted a significant update for MyFord Touch the following year that fixed bugs, improved the user interface and improved the voice recognition. Nevertheless, Ford still ranked below average in the 2012 IQS survey, and today's news of physical buttons and knobs returning to the center stack comes just two days before the release of results for J.D. Power's 2013 IQS. Another system update will be released the summer, and Ford has increased warranties for all models equipped with the system.

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SYNC and MyFord Touch Sold on 79 Percent of New Ford Vehicles, New Technology Drives Quality Satisfaction

SYNC® and MyFord Touch® sold on nearly 80 percent of 2013 Ford vehicles, double the sales mix of infotainment systems sold with Toyota and Honda vehicles, and up from 68 percent in 2012; MyFord Touch mix of 55 percent increased from 12 percent in 2012

Customers with vehicles equipped with MyFord Touch have a higher rate of satisfaction with overall vehicle quality for most models compared to those that do not have the advanced infotainment system

Ford customers cite voice command and touch screen features as top purchase drivers much more often than competitors; Ford Escape owners prioritize them twice as much as the segment average

Ford improves MyFord Touch quality by more than 50 percent since launch, plans another upgrade in summer 2013

DEARBORN, Mich., June 17, 2013 – Ford SYNC® voice-controlled connectivity and MyFord Touch® touch screen technologies are attracting more customers and selling at a much higher rate than competitors, as MyFord Touch helps drive higher customer satisfaction with vehicle quality.

Combined, SYNC and MyFord Touch are sold on 79 percent of new 2013 Ford vehicles, double the rate of Toyota and Honda vehicle infotainment systems and up from 68 percent in 2012. This includes a MyFord Touch mix of 55 percent from 12 percent in 2012.

SYNC and MyFord Touch connectivity technologies – launched in 2007 and 2010, respectively – remain a competitive advantage as customers cite voice control and touch screens as top purchase drivers much more often than competitors. For example, 53 percent of 2013 Ford Escape owners say the touch screen is a top purchase reason compared to a 22 percent segment average.

"Ford has launched 60 new technologies the past few years and they are helping attract many new customers in important markets such as the coasts," says Raj Nair, group vice president, global product development. "SYNC and MyFord Touch are key parts of our innovation strategy, and not only bring more new customers to our brand, but help deliver higher satisfaction with overall vehicle quality."

Ford vehicles with MyFord Touch are helping improve perceptions as customers who own vehicles with the system are more satisfied with overall vehicle quality compared to those who don't have the technology. The Ford F-150 with MyFord Touch has the highest rate of quality satisfaction across the Ford lineup, at 86 percent.

F-150 blends touch screen capability with traditional buttons and knobs, a similar balance planned for future Ford vehicles.

Young buyer connections
The innovations also are attracting younger buyers. For example, the new 2014 Ford Fiesta will now offer MyFord Touch, adding to other features such as a navigation system, rear camera, leather seats and a sunroof not available in the segment.

Fiesta already is drawing a younger audience of 46 percent Gen Y and Gen X buyers, compared to Toyota and Scion's 36 percent subcompact average. Fiesta innovations are differentiating the car as SYNC is cited as an important purchase reason by 54 percent of buyers compared to a 37 percent average for Toyota's connectivity technology.

Quality progress
Ford continues to refine SYNC and MyFord Touch, including another downloadable upgrade planned for this summer. Previous upgrades already have helped improve quality responses by more than 50 percent.

"We are committed to listening to our customers and improving MyFord Touch to keep drawing in new customers and increasing satisfaction with even higher quality," says Nair.

Ford's dealership personnel and dedicated connectivity customer service line also have become competitive advantages in an era of new automotive technologies. Customers who seek dealership assistance with SYNC or MyFord Touch report a 91 percent satisfaction rate.

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GM recalls over 230,000 more Trailblazer-family SUVs over door electronics

Back in August, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a recall on the General Motors GMT360 SUVs (Buick Rainier, Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7X) ranging from the 2005 to 2007 model years and the 2006 GMT370 SUVs (Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL) due to potential fires associated with the driver's door module. Initially limited to 250,000 units sold or registered in 20 Snow Belt states (and the District of Columbia), the recall has now been expanded to include an additional 193,000 of these SUVs in the US and, according to The Detroit News, 40,000 more sold outside the US, including Canada and Mexico.

Like the original recall, the issue is still a faulty driver's door module that can short out, which could lead to a fire. The Detroit News is reporting that, out of the 443,000 units being recalled, GM says that there were 58 fires that caused 11 minor injuries, and the expanded recall accounted for six fires and one injury. Despite the lower number of fires, the recall notice recommends that owners park their vehicles until the recall repairs has been performed.

On recalled units with functional modules, the repair consists of a protective coating being applied to the module, while vehicles with modules that are not working properly will have the driver's door module replaced. The official recall notice is posted below, and it includes contact information for customers of all five brands.

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RECALL Subject : Driver's Master Power Window Switch
Report Receipt Date: JUN 13, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V248000
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , VISIBILITY
Potential Number of Units Affected: 193,652

BUICK RAINIER 2006-2007
CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER 2006-2007
CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER EXT 2006
GMC ENVOY 2006-2007
GMC ENVOY XL 2006
ISUZU ASCENDER 2006-2007
SAAB 9-7X 2005-2007

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

SUMMARY:
General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL and 2006-2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Buick Rainier, SAAB 9-7x, and Isuzu Ascender vehicles. Fluid may enter the driver's door module, causing corrosion that could result in a short in the circuit board. A short may cause the power door lock and power window switches to function intermittently or become inoperative. The short may also cause overheating, which could melt components of the door module, producing odor, smoke, or a fire.

CONSEQUENCE:
A short in the circuit board could lead to a fire, increasing the risk of personal injury. A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made.

REMEDY:
Owners will be contacted and dealers will test the driver's door module. If the module is functioning properly, a protective coating will be applied. If the module is not functioning properly, it will be replaced. These repairs will be done free of charge. GM will notify Buick, Chevrolet, and GMC owners, Isuzu and Saab will contact their respective owners. The recall is expected to begin July 24, 2013. Buick owners may contact the owner center at 1-800-521-7300, Chevrolet owners at 1-866-694-6546, GMC owners at 1-866-996-9463, Isuzu owners at 1-800-255-6727, and SAAB owners at 1-855-880-0808. GM's campaign number is 12180. This recall is an expansion of recall 12V-406.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2013 Dodge Dart faces recall over stalling issue

Chrysler has announced that it will recall some 14,800 Dodge Dart compacts due to a potential stalling issue. The Auburn Hills-based automaker says that select 2013 model year sedans equipped with its 1.4-liter Multiair four-cylinder engine and dual-clutch transmission may need to have their engine control modules remapped.

According to Chrysler, the problem was uncovered during routine cold weather testing. Apparently, engineers parked a Dart inside of a 20-degree climate chamber for eight hours, only to have it stall after startup and driving "a short distance." Dealers have reported similar issues in customer cars, prompting the recall, but Chrysler says it knows of no accidents or injuries that have been reported as a result of the problem.

The action covers around 12,900 vehicles in the US and its territories, as well as 1,900 units in Canada, five in Mexico and 16 examples that have ventured beyond the NAFTA region. No word yet on when customers will be notified to bring their vehicles in for service, but the ECM retuning will be performed at no cost.

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Statement: Recalibration

June 10, 2013 , Auburn Hills, Mich. -

Chrysler Group will recall approximately 14,800 cars to recalibrate their powertrain control modules.

Internal testing discovered a car that stalled moments after startup. The incident occurred when the vehicle was brought to a stop after driving a short distance.

It had been parked for eight hours in a 20F climate chamber.

Further investigation revealed reports of similar incidents recorded by dealers.

Chrysler Group is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

The recall affects only 2013 Dodge Dart models equipped with a 1.4-liter engine and dual-clutch transmission.

Approximately 12,900 are in the U.S., including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; 1,900 are in Canada, five are in Mexico and 16 are outside the NAFTA region.

Recalibrations will be performed at no cost to customers, who will be contacted directly.

Customers who have questions or concerns can call 1-800-853-1403.

Automakers to use scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass in the very near future

Today's automotive windshields are commonly made with two layers of tempered glass sandwiching a sheet of optically clear polyvinyl butyral (PVB), a plastic layer that holds everything in place even when the glass is broken. While the basic design works very well (credit Henry Ford with introducing laminated glass in 1919), scratches and chips in the glass weaken the material to the point where it may eventually crack and require replacement.

But those headaches may disappear if Corning's Gorilla Glass becomes an industry standard. Gorilla Glass is the registered name for the durable and scratch resistant glass that covers the face of more than 1.5 billion consumer electronic devices. Whether the maker of your smartphone, tablet or PDA admits it or not, chances are good that you've got the material close at hand.

Having a windshield that is scratch and chip resistant is a big improvement, but there are other advantages to Gorilla Glass, says Corning. The company's senior vice president, Jeffrey Evenson, told MIT Technology Reviewthat the glass is lighter than what is used today, and it provides a better acoustic barrier from outside noise.

As is often the case with innovative technologies, Gorilla Glass doesn't come cheap. Even so, Evenson predicts that at least one unnamed high-end automaker will introduce a vehicle with Gorilla Glass within the year. Any guesses on whom it will be?