GM Recalls

If it seems like GM has had a lot of recalls lately, it’s because it has. With 4.8 million vehicles being recalled in 2014, the company has recalled 6X the number of vehicles in three months as it did in the entire year of 2013… and those are just the figures for the United States.

It all started when faulty ignition switches in compact cars were linked to 13 deaths. This first, and most prominent, recall was for the Chevrolet Cobalt. The recall was then expanded to include six models: 2005-2010 Cobalts, 2006-2010 Pontiac Solstices, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5s and Saturn Skys, 2006-2011 Chevrolet HHRs and 2003-2007 Saturn Ions. Then, more recalls were added, this time in larger pickups, Suburbans and SUV’s, because oil transmission lines had loose fittings, which were linked to three fires.

It’s been a rough year under the new chief executive, Mary T. Barra, the first woman to become the head of a major automaker. However, it’s good to know that this new blood is cleaning up GM’s act. The company previously had a reputation for avoiding recalls, even at a risk of injury or death to its customers. In fact, it is now well known that the company delayed recalling the Cobalt for years.

Hopefully, GM has reached a turning point, and can begin to mend its broken reputation under new leadership.

 

 

car owner

Technological Safety

Cars are becoming smarter every day, companies are constantly innovating, and psuedo-futuristic technology is always being tested and making headlines. However, several technological safety features have been on the market for years now, with some being available in more affordable cars. So, if you’re looking for a safe new ride then keep an eye out for these life-saving extras:

Adaptive cruise control. Forward-looking sensors automatically reduce speed as traffic slows down.

Forward collision avoidance system. Forward-looking sensors alert drivers when their vehicle gets to close to the one in front of it.

Autonomous braking. Exactly what it sounds like. If the vehicle gets too close to another vehicle, it automatically brakes to prevent a collision or lessen the impact.

Adaptive headlights. Headlights that aim in the direction that the driver steers.

Backup camera. Gives drivers a better view when reversing.

Backup sensors. alerts drivers when they are about to hit something while backing up.

Side view assist. Detects other vehicles in a blind spot and alerts the driver.

CarPlay

Siri Vs. Safety

Apple’s favorite femme-bot, Siri, may help prevent distracted driving in future cars. Or, she may help promote it. There’s two sides to every story, and in this case it’s Apple versus the safety experts.

Apple revealed its new CarPlay technology at a recent auto show – a sort of auto app that integrates smartphone technology with the common car’s center-stack controls. In the Volvo, for example, the vertical center touch screen is transformed into an enlarged copy of the iPhone, with digital climate controls on either side. The essential driving apps are all there for you – including music, maps, podcasts and third-party music streaming – and the ever-present Siri is there to help you use them while keeping your eyes on the road. However, Apple has not said whether apps such as facebook and twitter will be available.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kqgrGho4aYM