News By Topic: Repair and Maintenance

Median Age Of Cars Now 8.6 Years - Fewer U.S. Vehicles are Being Scrapped, Polk Reports

Feb 9, 2004

* Percentage of U.S. vehicles scrapped at 5.5%, lowest since 1993 * Car scrappage rate of 5.2%, lowest since 1948 * Median car age of 8.6 years, record levels two years running SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb. 9 -- Vehicle scrappage rates declined 9.1 percent in 2003, according to R. L. Polk & Co. The number of passenger cars s ... Continue reading

2005 Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum Offer State-of-the-Industry Performance and Crash Protection

Feb 6, 2004

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 6 -- The latest vehicles to debut in the 2005 Chrysler Group lineup -- the Chrysler 300 and Dodge Magnum -- offer a total safety package of engineering and technological advancements and rear-wheel drive technology designed to protect and perform in every season. Many manufacturers of luxury a ... Continue reading

Ford SUVs Rollover Problems Adressed By NHTSA

Feb 5, 2004

WASHINGTON, Feb 4, 2004; John Crawley writing for Reuters reported that safety regulators delayed the release of new rollover risk data for three popular selling 2004 Ford Motor Co. Explorer sport utility models, while a fourth received low marks. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said it had problems ... Continue reading

Chevrolet Extends Aveo Warranty

Feb 3, 2004

Detroit, MI - Chevrolet has announced a change to the warranty on its all-new Aveo entry-level car. The Aveo includes a 5-year/60,000 mile warranty on the vehicle's powertrain and 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper coverage. "Aveo is backed by Chevrolet dependability and a nationwide network of more than 4,100 dealers ... Continue reading

NHTSA Opens Investigation Into Ford Crown Victoria Axle Fractures

Jan 27, 2004

DETROIT January 26, 2004; Sharon Silke Carty writinfg for Dow Jones reported that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation into 2003 model year Crown Victorias after two police fleets reported unusual axle wear on a "significant" number of their police cars. Four inciden ... Continue reading

TACH FORUM: Urgent Request For Austin Series111 Truck Parts - Can You Help?

Jan 23, 2004

I would like to buy parts for an Austin Series111 truck manufactured April 1956 by The Austin Motor Co. Ltd., Longbridge, Birmingham, Box 41 G.P.O. Can anyone give me information if this company is still running, any websites related to it or if there is anyone who sells these parts. I would be very pleased to hear fro ... Continue reading

Genuine Parts Company Announces Samuelson President of the U.S. Automotive Parts Group

Jan 22, 2004

ATLANTA--Jan. 22, 2004--Larry Prince, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Parts Company , announced today that Larry R. Samuelson has been named President of the U.S. Automotive Parts Group effective immediately. Mr. Samuelson is currently President and CEO of NAPA Canada/UAP Inc., and he will ... Continue reading

Chrysler Recalls 2.7 Million Older Model Vehicles Because of Floor-Mounted Shift Assembly Problem

Jan 13, 2004

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. January 13, 2004; The AP reported that DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group is recalling 2.7 million older model vehicles to replace or repair the floor-mounted shifter assembly. The company also is fixing more than 20,000 new Dodge Durango vehicles with a throttle problem. Chrysler said Tuesday that ... Continue reading

Law Suit: Wives of Former Snap-on Tool Dealers Claim Company Fraud Causes Losses

Jan 13, 2004

-'Snap-on Wives Club' formed- NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Jan. 13 -- In what is believed to be first action of its kind, lawsuits were filed today against Snap-on Tools, Inc. on behalf of wives of former New Jersey and New York Snap-on franchised tool dealers, alleging they were harmed by the company's "false, fraudulent and ... Continue reading

General Motors Corp. recalls more than 800,000 cars for power steering repairs

Jan 12, 2004

DETROIT January 12, 2004; The AP reported that General Motors Corp. is recalling more than 800,000 cars because of a power steering defect that has led to at least eight injuries. About 750,000 cars in the United States and about 55,000 in Canada are involved. All were made between Jan. 1, 1996, and Oct. 31, 1997, GM s ... Continue reading

Nissan recalls 276,000 Sentras in U.S.

Jan 2, 2004

NEW YORK January 1, 2004; Japan Today reported that Nissan Motor Co is recalling 276,000 Sentra cars to replace faulty engines, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Wednesday. The NHTSA said the Sentras were built between January 2000 and March 2003. A piece of foam insulation in a box h ... Continue reading

Laser Technology, Inc., Reports FY 2003 Operating Results

Dec 30, 2003

ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Dec. 29 -- Laser Technology, Inc. (AMEX:LSR) , a leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of pulse laser measuring systems for a variety of commercial and consumer applications, recently reported its financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended September 30, 2003. Net sales for the fisca ... Continue reading

Motorists Encouraged to Shop Around For Best Emissions Inspection Fees

Dec 29, 2003

HARRISBURG, Pa., Dec. 29 -- The Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation (PENNDOT) and Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that the most current list of certified emissions inspection stations and the fees they are charging can be found on the Internet at www.drivecleanpa.state.pa.us or by calling 1-800-26 ... Continue reading

Pep Boys Forms Supply Alliance with Precision Auto Care

Dec 23, 2003

PHILADELPHIA--Dec. 23, 2003--The Pep Boys - Manny, Moe & Jack , the nation's leading automotive aftermarket retail and service chain, announced that it has formed an alliance with Precision Auto Care, Inc. to supply tires and selected hard parts to Precision Tune Auto Care's nationwide franchise of automotive service c ... Continue reading

Ford F-150, Freestar Get Top Safety Marks in High Speed Crash Test

Dec 19, 2003

DETROIT, Dec 19, 2003; Reuters reported that Ford Motor Co.'s new F-150 pickup and Freestar minivan received top ratings in an insurance industry group's crash tests designed to simulate high-speed collisions. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety said on Friday both vehicles earned "good" ratings in 40-mile-per-h ... Continue reading