Nutson's Weekly Automotive News Digest- March 9-15, 2015
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By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
Auto Central Chicago IL, March 15, 2015; Every Sunday, along with senior editors Steve Purdy and Thom Cannell from The Auto Channel Michigan Bureau I give you our "take" on this past week's automotive news in easy to digest nuggets.
If you are a car nut like we all are here at The Auto Channel, you can easily wish to "catch up" on these stories as well as the past 20 year's 1,810,665 automotive news, automotive stories, articles, reviews, archived news, video, audio, rants and raves just search The Auto Channel's Automotive News Archive.
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Nutson's Weekly Automotive News Digest- March 9-15, 2015
* GM told dealers this week it will be reducing powertrain warranties on Chevy and GMC vehicles from the current 100,000 miles to 60,000 miles. The 100,000-mile warranty has covered these vehicles for about 10 years and was established to compete with a trend in the industry. Chevy’s Volt will keep its 100,000 mile warranty on the battery pack and drive unit. GM says that it has not been a strong enough incentive for sales to justify the cost. GM also said it would cut in half its program of offering two years of free maintenance on Buick, Chevy and GMC products. Industry experts say it should have no effect on used car values.
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* Volkswagen announced this week plans to produce a new 3-row version of the Tiguan crossover at the Puebla, Mexico plant. The new Tiguan will be available in 2017. VW is investing over $1 billion to tool up the plant and suppliers. The new vehicles will be sold in markets worldwide.
* Our friends at The Detroit Bureau report that VW may kill off the Beetle. VW is on a cost cutting plan to slash spending by $5.4 billion by 2017. VW has 301 models on sale around the world. The Scirocco and the 3-door Polo, not sold in the U.S., might also get cut. The Eos convertible already has been cut.
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* We found a better way, says FCA US (still Chrysler to some of us). NHTSA has been informed that it has found a better and faster way to repair more than 700,000 minivans and SUVs. FCA US initially announced a recall in June 2014 that included 2008 and 2009 model year Chrysler Town and Country's and Dodge Grand Caravans to fix ignition switches that can slip out of position. Then is was going to replace a part in the switch, and now it will replace the entire switch.
* U.S. News & World Report announced the 2015 Best Cars for Families. Nine brands win one award each, while General Motors takes home the most awards of any car company, with its Chevrolet and Cadillac brands winning two awards each. Toyota, Honda and Kia each win two awards as well. The awards are published on the U.S. News Best Cars website at Cars for Families.
* No doubt you've heard the latest about the new Apple Watch. One thing it won't be able to show you is the pedestrian in the crosswalk, so says The Chicago Tribune.
* The number of approved death claims in GM's ignitions switch compensation fund is now up to 64, from the original 13. Approved injury claims now number 108. In total, 4,343 claims were submitted by the Jan. 31 deadline, many of which are still under review.
* Toyota will recall about 110,000 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles of model year 2015 and RAV4 vehicles of model year 2014-2015 for possible manufacturing damage in their electric power steering circuit boards. Also recalled are 2,500 RAV4 EV vehicles of model year 2012-2014 for a software issue affecting the transmission.
* GM is recalling 64,186 Chevrolet Volts from 2011 through 2013 model years to update software that will turn off the car if the owner leaves it in the "on" or "run" position. If left on the battery will drain causing the gasoline engine to start on its own resulting in engine exhaust where the car is parked, for example in an owners home garage.
* Fans of the popular British TV program TOP GEAR will be disappointed to learn that the show’s host Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended after being accused of punching a producer. As a result, taping of the last three episodes of the season have been canceled. Details are sketchy and we have not heard from Clarkson yet.
* Hagerty Insurance, purveyor of classic and collector car and boat insurance, released this week their list of the top ten 2015 cars priced under $100,000 that have the greatest potential for collectability. They include, in alphabetical order: Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW M4 Convertible, Camaro Z28, Corvette Z06, Dodge Challenger Hellcat, Mustang GT Performance Pack, Mazda Miata 25th Anniversary Edition, MINI John Cooper Works Hardtop, Subaru WRX STI Launch Edition and Volkswagen Golf R.
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* A “postmodern interpretation” of the original 1964 1/2 Ford Mustang was introduced to the public at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance this weekend as the first ever “reengineered” reproduction of the iconic first pony car. It will be produced by Revology Cars of Winter Park, Florida founded by former boss of the Ford Special Vehicle Team, Tom Scarpello. While the exterior and interior replicate the original car closely it is fully modern under the skin with 5.0-liter V8, McPherson strut suspension, disc brakes and more. Prices begin around $120,000 and both coupe and convertible are available.
* Kurt Busch was cleared to get back in his race car and attempt to rebuild a career that was halted two days before the Daytona 500 when NASCAR suspended him for allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend.
