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A lot has been happening in the past couple of days for Volkswagen over the diesel emission scandal. Let's get you up to date. First, Volkswagen of American has pulled its application for EPA certification on 2016 models equipped with the 2.0L diesel four-cylinder until they comply with emission standards for the U.S. Volkswagen hasn't said when they will resend their application for certification. Next is the Associated Press reporting that German prosecutors carried out searches at a number of Volkswagen facilities, including the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg today. In a statement, the purpose of the searches was to "secure documents and data storage devices" to possibly identify the people involved and figure out how it was done. "We will support prosecutors as best we can in investigating the matter and the people responsible. This serves a prompt and thorough clearing-up, in which Volkswagen has great interest," Volkswagen said in a statement. Finally, the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee held their hearing on the Volkswagen diesel scandal today. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn found himself in the line of fire. Here is a brief overview of what took place, Horn said 325,000 of the overall 482,000 vehicles involved in the scandal are fitted with the Gen 1 2.0L diesel engine (including the 2011 Passat TDI which came equipped with a Urea tank) will require hardware and software fix. The fix could take five to ten hours to complete. Other models fitted with newer versions of the 2.0L will only need a software update. Repairs are expected to start sometime next year [*]Horn testified that it was a few individuals and not the company who decided to implement the software into their diesel vehicles "Either your entire organization is incompetent when it comes to trying to come up with intellectual property, and I don't believe that for a second, or they are complicit at the highest levels in a massive cover-up that continues today," said Rep. Chris Collins, R-NY in response to Horn's answer. [*]Horn admits that's it hard to believe that Volkswagen's executives didn't know about this software for many years. [*]Volkswagen found about the study done by West Virginia University showing irregularities in two of their diesel models. Horn said Volkswagen engineers confirmed the results of the study and that software change was being worked on. [*]Horn said that he first learned about the software days before Volkswagen came clean to the EPA and California Air Resources Board Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Associated Press, The Detroit News, Reuters -
A lot has been happening in the past couple of days for Volkswagen over the diesel emission scandal. Let's get you up to date. First, Volkswagen of American has pulled its application for EPA certification on 2016 models equipped with the 2.0L diesel four-cylinder until they comply with emission standards for the U.S. Volkswagen hasn't said when they will resend their application for certification. Next is the Associated Press reporting that German prosecutors carried out searches at a number of Volkswagen facilities, including the company's headquarters in Wolfsburg today. In a statement, the purpose of the searches was to "secure documents and data storage devices" to possibly identify the people involved and figure out how it was done. "We will support prosecutors as best we can in investigating the matter and the people responsible. This serves a prompt and thorough clearing-up, in which Volkswagen has great interest," Volkswagen said in a statement. Finally, the House Energy and Commerce subcommittee held their hearing on the Volkswagen diesel scandal today. Volkswagen of America CEO Michael Horn found himself in the line of fire. Here is a brief overview of what took place, Horn said 325,000 of the overall 482,000 vehicles involved in the scandal are fitted with the Gen 1 2.0L diesel engine (including the 2011 Passat TDI which came equipped with a Urea tank) will require hardware and software fix. The fix could take five to ten hours to complete. Other models fitted with newer versions of the 2.0L will only need a software update. Repairs are expected to start sometime next year [*]Horn testified that it was a few individuals and not the company who decided to implement the software into their diesel vehicles "Either your entire organization is incompetent when it comes to trying to come up with intellectual property, and I don't believe that for a second, or they are complicit at the highest levels in a massive cover-up that continues today," said Rep. Chris Collins, R-NY in response to Horn's answer. [*]Horn admits that's it hard to believe that Volkswagen's executives didn't know about this software for many years. [*]Volkswagen found about the study done by West Virginia University showing irregularities in two of their diesel models. Horn said Volkswagen engineers confirmed the results of the study and that software change was being worked on. [*]Horn said that he first learned about the software days before Volkswagen came clean to the EPA and California Air Resources Board Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required), Associated Press, The Detroit News, Reuters View full article
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NHTSA Mandates Vehicle-Specific Recall Search
William Maley posted an article in Automotive Industry
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 15, 2013 A new mandate issued by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will make it somewhat easier for owners to access recall information on their vehicle. Announced yesterday, the mandate will require automakers to offer a free online tool that allows an owner to search recall information via a vehicle identification number or VIN. This allows an owner to instantly determine if their vehicle is involved in recall or not. "Safety is our highest priority, and an informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in that effort. Owners and potential buyers alike will soon be able to identify whether a safety recall for their specific vehicle is incomplete, using our free online search at SaferCar.gov," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. The mandate doesn't go into effect until August 14, 2014. Source: NHTSA William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 NHTSA to Provide Free VIN Searches to Help Consumers Check Cars, Light Trucks and Motorcycles for Uncompleted Recalls Free Vehicle Identification Number search will improve safety and inform purchasing decisions WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced its plans to require automakers and motorcycle manufacturers to provide consumers with a free online tool that will enable them to search recall information by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) starting next year. "Safety is our highest priority, and an informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in that effort," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "Owners and potential buyers alike will soon be able to identify whether a safety recall for their specific vehicle is incomplete, using our free online search at SaferCar.gov." In an ongoing effort to better provide consumers with specific vehicle safety information, NHTSA today issued a final rule that will require all major automakers and motorcycle manufacturers to provide consumers with online access to recall information on vehicles searchable by VIN. This information must be updated at least weekly. Consumers will be able to instantly determine whether action is required to address an uncompleted safety recall that affects their personal vehicle, as identified by their unique VIN. While several automakers already offer this feature, those who do not, will have until next year (8/14/14) to comply with the final rule. This new search feature will also be available on the nation's only official automotive safety website www.safercar.gov. Currently, consumers are limited to general searches by vehicle make and model year on the NHTSA website. With the new VIN search feature, consumers will be able to tell whether a specific vehicle is subject to a recall and whether the vehicle has received the remedy. "Every day NHTSA is working for the American consumer to ensure that automakers and motorcycle manufacturers address safety defects and non-compliances, and that they also recall affected vehicles in a timely manner," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "By making individual VIN searches readily available, we're providing another service to car, light truck and motorcycle owners and potential owners – the peace of mind knowing that the vehicle they own, or that they are thinking of buying, is safe." Today's announcement builds on NHTSA's current efforts to provide consumers with information to help them make informed decisions, including the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) 5-Star Ratings System, and the new SaferCar mobile app, which provides on-the-spot information on crash protection features, advanced safety features, and recalls on new vehicles and many older models. This final rule requires large volume car, light truck and motorcycle manufacturers to provide search capability for uncompleted safety recalls on their websites. In addition, the rule will require manufacturers to inform NHTSA about exactly what type of propulsion system and crash avoidance technologies vehicles have. This new information will assist NHTSA's efforts to spot defect trends related to those systems and technologies. Manufacturers also will be required to provide vehicle owners with direct notice of recalls within 60 days of notifying NHTSA that a recall is occurring. The Final Rule to Amend 49 CFR Parts 573, 577, and 579, Early Warning, Foreign Defect Report Regulations, and Safety Recall Regulations will be posted on the Federal Register accessible here. -
William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com August 15, 2013 A new mandate issued by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will make it somewhat easier for owners to access recall information on their vehicle. Announced yesterday, the mandate will require automakers to offer a free online tool that allows an owner to search recall information via a vehicle identification number or VIN. This allows an owner to instantly determine if their vehicle is involved in recall or not. "Safety is our highest priority, and an informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in that effort. Owners and potential buyers alike will soon be able to identify whether a safety recall for their specific vehicle is incomplete, using our free online search at SaferCar.gov," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. The mandate doesn't go into effect until August 14, 2014. Source: NHTSA William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster. Press Release is on Page 2 NHTSA to Provide Free VIN Searches to Help Consumers Check Cars, Light Trucks and Motorcycles for Uncompleted Recalls Free Vehicle Identification Number search will improve safety and inform purchasing decisions WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) today announced its plans to require automakers and motorcycle manufacturers to provide consumers with a free online tool that will enable them to search recall information by Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) starting next year. "Safety is our highest priority, and an informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in that effort," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "Owners and potential buyers alike will soon be able to identify whether a safety recall for their specific vehicle is incomplete, using our free online search at SaferCar.gov." In an ongoing effort to better provide consumers with specific vehicle safety information, NHTSA today issued a final rule that will require all major automakers and motorcycle manufacturers to provide consumers with online access to recall information on vehicles searchable by VIN. This information must be updated at least weekly. Consumers will be able to instantly determine whether action is required to address an uncompleted safety recall that affects their personal vehicle, as identified by their unique VIN. While several automakers already offer this feature, those who do not, will have until next year (8/14/14) to comply with the final rule. This new search feature will also be available on the nation's only official automotive safety website www.safercar.gov. Currently, consumers are limited to general searches by vehicle make and model year on the NHTSA website. With the new VIN search feature, consumers will be able to tell whether a specific vehicle is subject to a recall and whether the vehicle has received the remedy. "Every day NHTSA is working for the American consumer to ensure that automakers and motorcycle manufacturers address safety defects and non-compliances, and that they also recall affected vehicles in a timely manner," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "By making individual VIN searches readily available, we're providing another service to car, light truck and motorcycle owners and potential owners – the peace of mind knowing that the vehicle they own, or that they are thinking of buying, is safe." Today's announcement builds on NHTSA's current efforts to provide consumers with information to help them make informed decisions, including the New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) 5-Star Ratings System, and the new SaferCar mobile app, which provides on-the-spot information on crash protection features, advanced safety features, and recalls on new vehicles and many older models. This final rule requires large volume car, light truck and motorcycle manufacturers to provide search capability for uncompleted safety recalls on their websites. In addition, the rule will require manufacturers to inform NHTSA about exactly what type of propulsion system and crash avoidance technologies vehicles have. This new information will assist NHTSA's efforts to spot defect trends related to those systems and technologies. Manufacturers also will be required to provide vehicle owners with direct notice of recalls within 60 days of notifying NHTSA that a recall is occurring. The Final Rule to Amend 49 CFR Parts 573, 577, and 579, Early Warning, Foreign Defect Report Regulations, and Safety Recall Regulations will be posted on the Federal Register accessible here. View full article
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By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 1, 2013 Just when you think the news about Fisker couldn't get any worse, it has. Last Thursday, Reuters learned from a source that Fisker has hired the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis to advise on a possible bankruptcy filing. The source says the company is “considering bankruptcy while it pursued alternatives.” Fisker has also furloughed its U.S. work force this week to preserve cash. Last month has been tough on Fisker as the company saw its founder and chairman, Henrik Fisker resign due to "several major disagreements" with top management. It also saw its efforts to find a investor erode away as Geely and Dongfeng dropped their bids due to the terms of the Department of Energy loans Fisker has. Sources say chief executive Tony Posawatz, visited China last week to try to rekindle those deals. The bad news doesn't stop there though. Fisker has a payment due to the Department of Energy on April 22nd. Fisker isn't saying how much the payment is, but judging from these moves. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster -
By William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com April 1, 2013 Just when you think the news about Fisker couldn't get any worse, it has. Last Thursday, Reuters learned from a source that Fisker has hired the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis to advise on a possible bankruptcy filing. The source says the company is “considering bankruptcy while it pursued alternatives.” Fisker has also furloughed its U.S. work force this week to preserve cash. Last month has been tough on Fisker as the company saw its founder and chairman, Henrik Fisker resign due to "several major disagreements" with top management. It also saw its efforts to find a investor erode away as Geely and Dongfeng dropped their bids due to the terms of the Department of Energy loans Fisker has. Sources say chief executive Tony Posawatz, visited China last week to try to rekindle those deals. The bad news doesn't stop there though. Fisker has a payment due to the Department of Energy on April 22nd. Fisker isn't saying how much the payment is, but judging from these moves. Source: Reuters William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at [email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster View full article
