Motor Trend Names Dodge Ram Truck of the Year

by December 10, 2009
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December 10, 2009 – The 2010 Ram Heavy Duty was named Motor Trend magazine’s truck of the year today, beating out contenders from Ford and Toyota in the closely watched competition. The award is a welcome piece of good news for Chrysler Group LLC, which has seen its sales continue to lag even as competitors rebound. The Ram Heavy Duty beat out three other competitors: The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, the Ford Transit Connect van and the Toyota Tundra 4.6-liter work truck. The vehicle of the year designation is important to automakers, who often use Motor Trend’s endorsement in their …. » Read more »

Ford, Subaru, VW Win Insurance Institute’s Top Safety Picks

by November 18, 2009
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November 18, 2009 – Ford, Subaru and Volkswagen sit atop the U.S. insurance industry’s annual list of the safest new vehicles, according to a closely watched assessment used by car companies to lure safety-conscious consumers to showrooms. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded its “top safety pick” on Wednesday to 19 passenger cars and eight sport utility vehicles for the 2010 model year. The institute substantially reduced the number of awards compared with 2009, because of tougher requirements for roof strength. Ford Motor Co. and its Volvo unit received the most awards with six, followed by five awards apiece …. » Read more »

Ford recalls 14.3 million vehicles due to defective cruise control switch

by October 19, 2009
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October 19, 2009 – According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defect Investigations (ODI), Ford Motor Company is recalling the following passenger vehicles:  Windstar Model Years (MY) 1995-2003, Excursion MY 2000-2003, F-Super Duty MY 1993-1997 and 1999-2003, Econoline MY 1992-2003, Explorer MY 1995-2002,  Ranger MY 2001-2003, F53 MY 1994, and Mercury Mountaineer MY 1995-1997.  These vehicles may be equipped with a defective Texas Instruments speed control deactivation switch.  The defective switch may leak internally and then overheat, smoke, or burn, which could result in the vehicle catching fire.   Ford advised owners of all vehicles covered by …. » Read more »

Woman in Wheelchair Hit by Car

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October 19, 2009 – An elderly woman in a wheelchair was hit by a car Friday afternoon while crossing the intersection at 6th Avenue and Juniper near Balboa Park. The incident happened about 4:45 p.m. in the 2300 block of 6th Avenue near Balboa Park. A driver of a Mustang didn’t see the woman and slammed into her.  The woman was thrown out of the wheel chair and may have suffered a fractured hip. Police say her injuries did not appear to be life threatening. Investigators say, at the point, the driver will not be charged. Read more »

Ford, Lincoln, Mercury Fire Danger

by November 17, 2008
Approximately five million Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles recalled due to a fire risk have not been repaired and are at risk for catching fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  The vehicles have defective cruise control switches that could cause them to catch fire even when not running.  NHTSA says about seven million owners have already had their vehicles repaired, and the organization is urging the remaining five million owners to have their vehicles serviced. The affected vehicles are: 1993–2004 Ford F150 1993–1999 Ford F250 (gasoline engine) 1993–1996 Ford Bronco 1994–1996 Ford Econoline 1997–2002 Ford Expedition …. » Read more »