Executives from Chrysler, Ford, and General Motors are traveling to Washington, D.C., this week to appeal to lawmakers for federal assistance. On their last visit, the Detroit execs were chastised for indulging in corporate jets each in their ownwhile appealing for billions in tax-payer-funded assistance. to avoid repeating that public relations gaffe, these power brokers are driving to the Capitol. The auto industry is behind them, literally, with representatives from all 50 states heading to Washington to show their support Friday.  read more »

Ford Motor Co . got another shot in the arm from Tuesday when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported the automaker had more vehicles than any other manufacturer on itss list of safest vehicles sold today. The IIHS reported that Ford had 16 of the top-rated vehicles, followed by Honda with 13. General Motors and Toyota each had eight vehicles on the list. Seventy-two cars, trucks and SUVs received the top safety pick designation for 2009, more than double the number of vehicles in the 2008 model year and three times the number in 2007. The jump is due primarily to automakers increasing anti-rollover technology in more vehicles. The top-rated vehicles are the best in protecting people in front, side and rear crash tests based on institute evaluations during the year. The vehicles are required to have electronic stability control, or ESC, to qualify for the award. IIHS said electronic stability control is now standard on virtually all new SUVs and three-quarters of passenger cars for the 2009 model year. ESC is also standard on more than one-third of 2009 pickups. Fords list of top-rated vehicles included Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan midsize cars with optional ESC; the Ford F-150 pickup, Ford Edge and Ford Flex midsize sport utility vehicles; and the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small SUVs. The list also included the Mazda Tribute, which has the same underpinnings as the Escape and Mariner. Fords Volvo vehicles also made the list. Honda and its Acura unit had vehicles in nearly every category, including top-sellers such as the Honda Accord; the Honda Civic 4-door with optional ESC; and the Acura MDX and RDX midsize SUVs; and the Honda Fit with optional ESC. The Fit is the first mini-car to earn the safety award. General Motors Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp. both had eight vehicles on the list. GM's included the Cadillac CTS and the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook large SUVs. Toyota's top performers were the Toyota Corolla with optional ESC, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and Scion xB. Electronic stability control senses when a driver may lose control and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels to keep the vehicle stable and avoid a rollover. It helps motorists avoid skidding across icy or slick roads or keep control when swerving to avoid an unexpected object in the road. The absence of the technology became a focal point of lawsuits filed against Ford in the 1990s and early 2000s when tires were blowing on Ford Explorers, often causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle before a crash. IIHS said Chrysler LLC was the only major automaker that did not receive a single award. They said Chrysler could have picked up five awards if the head restraints had been improved in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, the Sebring convertible and the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country. The report comes at an opportune time for Ford, which, along with GM and Chrysler, is asking Congress for bailout loans . Many members of Congress, as well as pundits and critics, have been lambasting Detroit automakers for the last several weeks for failing to stay competitive with Asian automakers.  read more »

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Recently, there have been several recalls worth noting from Audi, Bridgestone Firestone, General Motors, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mazda, and Mercedes-Benz. But first, a major one from Ford: Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Nearly five million unrepaired vehicles could pose serious fire hazard The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of certain Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury SUVs, pickup trucks, vans, and passenger cars to take their vehicles to a local dealership immediately for a corrective repair. The vehicles contain a defective cruise control switch that could lead to a fire at any time, even while the vehicle is turned-off, parked and unattended. Repair parts are readily available.  read more »

Just how bad is the US vehicle market?  read more »

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has named six small SUVs Top Safety Picks: the Volkswagen Tiguan, Mitsubishi Outlander, Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, and Nissan Rogue. To qualify for this accolade, the six got the Institute's top rating of Good in offset frontal and side crash tests, plus an evaluation of rear crash protection. They also all offer electronic stability control as standard equipment. The Mercury Mariner and the Mazda Tribute are twins to the Ford Escape; the test results also apply to the hybrid versions of these models. The Honda CR-V, Honda Element, and Subaru Forester are also Top Picks in this class based on earlier tests. IIHS rates cars in an offset frontal crash that is more severe than U.S.  read more »

Were nearing the end of the 2008 model year, and already several new vehicles have hit dealerships. The model-change over means dealers are anxious to make room for new models and advertising tempting incentives. Before choosing a current model, it is wise to consider what is coming down the road. Here is a peak at the most new and notable models youll be seeing this fall or early 2009. For a sneak peek at more new vehicles, see our comprehensive New car preview with the photos and videos. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro The all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a modern interpretation of the classic original, built on a modern, rear-drive platform. Like the 1960s car, the new Camaro will be offered in coupe and convertible body styles, with 300-hp V6 and 400-plus-hp V8 engines. On sale: Winter 2009.  read more »