JD Power 2017 New Vehicle 90-Day Quality Survey Results

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A Pending New Law Enforcement Device Could Track If Drivers Are Texting

Its Service Shop Mondays: Dodge's Grand Caravans Are Being Recalled

Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment due to Chafed Wire

Unexpected deployment of the driver's frontal air bag increases the risk of a crash or driver injury.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V376000

Manufacturer Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

Components AIR BAGS

IIHS Study: Only Two Out Of Thirty-Seven Midsize SUVS/Crossovers Scored With A Good Rating On The Headlight Test

2017 Ford Focus RS Hatchback AWD

Highlight: The Focus RS is only available as a four door hatchback with a six-speed manual transmission.

Vehicle’s MSRP: $39,780 (base model $36,995)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; Daytime running lights; all-wheel drive; a rear view camera; perimeter alarm; a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist system; and sideview integrated blind spot mirrors

Standard Equipment: 19-inch wheels; RS badging; sport exhaust with dual bright tips; a high mounted rear spoiler; manual folding sideview mirrors; aluminum gas/brake pedals; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a manual operated front seats; partial leather Recaro seats; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a dual zone temperature control system; SYNC’s infotainment system; an automatic start/stop technology; a push-button keyless ignition starter system; a flat bottom steering wheel; driving mode adjustments; and automatic headlights

2017 Toyota Corolla iM Hatchback

Highlight: The iM was formerly a Scion, but now it’s a Toyota Corolla.

Test Vehicles MSRP: $20,375 (Base Model: $19,635)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features:  automatic headlights; a rearview camera; a lane departure warning system; a pre-collision braking system; automatic headlight beams; a traction control system; ABS; and airbags 

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 17-inch wheels; manual transmission; front wheel drive; a dual zone manual ventilation system; a remote keyless entry system; cloth seats; manually operated front seats; chrome exhaust tips; sporty exterior body kit; a remote keyless entry system; a manually operated tilt and telescopic steering; and a leather-wrapped steering wheel

2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI Sport 4-Door Hatchback

Highlight: This is the seventh generation of the GTI.

Test Vehicles MSRP: $29,915 (Base Model: $26,415)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: ABS; integrated side turn signals into the mirrors; a rearview camera; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Base Model): 18-inch wheels; a 6-speed manual; driving selection mode; a sport suspension system; a rear spoiler; body color side mirrors; red brake calipers; a leather trimmed steering wheel; a manually operated tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel; power reclining front seats; manually adjustable front seats; cloth seats with plaid inserts rear folding seats with armrest; a rearview camera; cruise control; a 6.5-inch infotainment screen; power door locks with a remote control; and a glove compartment with adjustable cooling

Its Recall Mondays: Hyundai, Genesis And Mazda Are In The Hot Seat

1. Secondary Hood Latch may Bind and not Latch

If the hood is not securely closed or the primary latch is inadvertently released and the secondary latch is not engaged, the hood could unexpectedly open while driving, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash
.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V358000

Manufacturer Hyundai Motor America

Components LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

Potential Number of Units Affected 437,400

2017 VW Jetta SE: The Brand’s German-Engineered Compact Sedan

Highlight: Jetta’s interior cabin is larger than most of the vehicles in the segment.

Test Vehicles MSRP: $21,715 (S Model: $18,715)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; Daytime Running Lights; a back up camera; power heatable exterior mirrors; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Base S Model): 16-inch wheel full covers; manual adjustable front seats; cloth seats; a tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a 5-speed manual transmission; a manual operated ventilated system; a 5-inch touchscreen; cruise control; an electronic speed steering system; 60/40 split folding rear seats; and a pre-wired theft alarm system

The Paris Climate Agreement, The Auto Industry And Our Health

You're probably wondering what is the Paris Climate Agreement and how does it impact you, more specifically the automotive industry. Well here's one way of looking at this. When one thinks of smog and excessively warm weather during traditional cold months, these are two prime examples of global warming. Global warming can be controlled via government intervention, which leads to businesses and citizens to push for cleaner cities, factories and the like.

As we all know, smog and other environmental issues could also lead to health issues related to asthma, cancer and the like.