Product Reviews Net » general motors http://www.product-reviews.net Information on the latest gadgets, technology, news and product reviews Sat, 26 May 2012 11:39:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 GM ponders 06-07 Chevrolet TrailBlazer recall http://www.product-reviews.net/2012/02/14/gm-ponders-06-07-chevrolet-trailblazer-recall/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gm-ponders-06-07-chevrolet-trailblazer-recall http://www.product-reviews.net/2012/02/14/gm-ponders-06-07-chevrolet-trailblazer-recall/#comments Mon, 13 Feb 2012 23:01:21 +0000 Peter Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=148718 We need to stress that a recall for the 06-07 Chevrolet TrailBlazer has not been issued yet but it’s a huge concern for GM, as if an issue is found it could also affect three of their other models. The NHTSA has received several complaints that suggest there have been door fires in these vehicles and as a result could possible affect 309,000 of these SUVs.

A total of 12 complaints have been received with concerns regarding the power window switches and other related parts, It has been reported that there have been a few fires or smoke inside select TrailBlazer models, thankfully there hasn’t been any injuries.

This is the same issue that has affected 830,000 Toyota Camry and RAV4 vehicles, it’s not as strange as you think because both companies sourced the parts from the same supplier and if NHTSA find a link then there is a fear that this could become a widespread recall.

From what we already know the Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy and the Saab 9-7X share the same power window switch, and while there is nothing owners of these vehicles can do for now, we would advise you to be extra vigilant and if there are any signs of smoke then you need to get in contact with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration right away.

It’s hard to say how long this investigation will go on for, but owners of the affected Chevrolet TrailBlazers will be waiting patiently for the verdict, as will we. If you do have any worries or experience issues with one of these models then contact your local dealer, but maybe you should consider disconnecting the battery first.

There seems to be some confusion as to who the issue is down to because we have heard a few people suggesting Toyota is to blame, but it’s too early to start pointing fingers. The best course of action is to wait until the inquiry is over before we make any assumptions, but it’s certainly worrying and just highlights the fact that vehicles of today are more about quantity and not quality.

Looking over some of the cases we were worried to learn that when a fire did occur the engine was off and the vehicle was left unattended, now could you imagine if you left the vehicle at the parking lot or in the garage where it could not only set another vehicle on fire but also your home while you are asleep?

We are sorry to be so harsh, but you have to consider how series this issue could be. Have you experienced any issue with your 2006-2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2012/02/14/gm-ponders-06-07-chevrolet-trailblazer-recall/feed/ 4 Chevy Volt safety concerns raised, loan cars to be provided http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/11/28/chevy-volt-safety-concerns-raised-loan-cars-to-be-provided/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chevy-volt-safety-concerns-raised-loan-cars-to-be-provided http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/11/28/chevy-volt-safety-concerns-raised-loan-cars-to-be-provided/#comments Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:39:41 +0000 Gary Johnson http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=145722 Car manufacturers have been making a big push into alternative fuels in recent years with electric vehicles being the main offering available. The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf have been the two main options available to consumers. Now today as Chevy Volt safety concerns are raised GM are to offer owners loan cars.

According to The Wall Street Journal owners of the Chevrolet Volt will be offered loan cars by GM, while an investigation is carried out on the Volt regarding fires that have started after crash tests. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had carried out some crash testing on the Volt that resulted in sparks and fires.

GM believes these were caused by malfunctioning electronics rather than overheating chemicals from within the batteries. Mary Barra GMs product chief stated that engineers were currently working on ways to make the battery case stronger, and added “We’re looking at a handful of promising avenues” and is confident the Volt is safe.

Investigations began last week after two crash tests caused the electric cars battery to spark or catch fire. The NHTSA were doing the tests following an incident last spring where a Volt battery that was damaged in a crash test had caught fire 3 weeks later.

Both sides have said owners of the electric car shouldn’t be too concerned as the fires didn’t start on impact, and started a few days after. The latest tests the NHTSA ruptured the Volts coolant line and damaged the battery compartment, in an attempt to replicate the first accident to highlight the problem. With the first accident the fire started weeks later, but in the latest ones it started in a matter of days.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/11/28/chevy-volt-safety-concerns-raised-loan-cars-to-be-provided/feed/ 0 GM recall: 2012 Impala and LaCrosse models affected, problems listed http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/08/12/gm-recall-2012-impala-and-lacrosse-models-affected-problems-listed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gm-recall-2012-impala-and-lacrosse-models-affected-problems-listed http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/08/12/gm-recall-2012-impala-and-lacrosse-models-affected-problems-listed/#comments Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:30:26 +0000 Alan Ng http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=139007 We have some important news to bring you now, as it has been confirmed that GM have another recall situation on their hands. This time, General Motors are recalling their 2012 Chevrolet Impala and Buick LaCrosse models due to safety-related problems.

At the moment, the recall only affects car owners in US and Canada as a power steering fluid hose issue has targeted 11,915 Chevrolet Impalas according to a fresh release from the Associated Press this week.

The problem occurs when the power steering fluid hose gets too close to the catalytic converter contained inside the motor. The hose can melt, leading to a leak of fluid which is obviously a fire hazard that General Motors are unwilling to take a risk on.

Aside from the problem affecting almost 12,000 Impalas, GM has also issued a recall which affects 4,293 Buick LaCrosse due to a different issue. It has been discovered that the sedans are prone to a software defect which regulates the malfunctioning sensor contained on the vehicle. Unless the software is updated, the sensor can fail to handle the car properly, which in turn could lead to a crash.

The good news, is that no injuries or crashes have been reported according to General Motors, both for the Impalas and the LaCrosse models. If you currently own either of these models, you may think that the problems listed above do not warrant a recall, but considering what has happened to other car manufacturers most notably Toyota, you cannot blame General Motors for being over precautious.

Remember to be aware of production dates though before you worry about if you are affected or not. The Impala recall affects models that were produced between April 19, 2011, through July 29, 2011, while the LaCrosse models are being recalled with production dates of June 9, 2011, through July 2, 2011. If these dates apply to you, get in touch with us below. Tell us how you feel about General Motors’ latest recall.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/08/12/gm-recall-2012-impala-and-lacrosse-models-affected-problems-listed/feed/ 0 Update on next-gen 2014 (C7) Chevrolet Corvette http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/17/update-on-next-gen-2014-c7-chevrolet-corvette/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=update-on-next-gen-2014-c7-chevrolet-corvette http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/17/update-on-next-gen-2014-c7-chevrolet-corvette/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:50:06 +0000 Marlon Votta http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=134963 Improvements to be made, with an update on the next generation 2014 (C7) Chevrolet Corvette.

In an article by Viknesh Vijayenthiran over on Motor Authority, he reports that the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette (C7) will offer better feedback and quality from new platform. With monthly rumors of the Chevrolet C7 Corvette by random sources and fans, you can occasionally get official information from inside General Motors.

The information we know already is that the Chevrolet C7 Corvette will arrive two years after the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette; this means that it will be a 2014 model that could be accessible in the latter part of 2013. With news that General Motors have announced a $131 million investment in the Kentucky Bowling Green plant, and a view from their North American boss, Mark Reuss who is saying the C7 will be “completely different”.

In addition, the General Motors design boss Ed Welburn view is that the new “Vette will get a split rear window along with some other vintage styles”, inspired by the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. The overall dimensions of the car will probably stay the same but a thought that weight-conserving measures should be adapted. The quality of the interior is the engineer’s main concern, to show the inside of a $100,000 car to its fullest, with improvements to materials, layout and finish.

Do you feel that customer feedback will help any future updates? For more information, visit Motor Authority.com.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/17/update-on-next-gen-2014-c7-chevrolet-corvette/feed/ 0 General Motors recall Cadillac SRX, 2011 Model at risk http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/10/general-motors-recall-cadillac-srx-2011-model-at-risk/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=general-motors-recall-cadillac-srx-2011-model-at-risk http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/10/general-motors-recall-cadillac-srx-2011-model-at-risk/#comments Fri, 10 Jun 2011 15:27:51 +0000 Alan Ng http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=134170 We have some bad news to inform those of you who own a Cadillac SRX, as it has been confirmed that General Motors has issued a new recall this week due to a problem involving air bags located on the passenger side of the vehicle.

This recall is specifcally linked to 2,600 models in Canada, and is part of a bigger recall of 47,000 Cadillac SRX vehicles in the US, according to the Associated Press. Although General Motors has stated that no injuries have been reported yet, the problem is quite a serious one as the car maker confirms that the right-hand passenger air bag will not open in the event of a crash, if there is no passenger in the front seat.

As you can imagine, that is potentially a very serious issue, so it’s unsurprising for General Motors to issue this recall fairly swiftly. The problem goes deeper too, as it’s confirmed that the airbags in the 2011 Cadillac SRX contains a sensor which are apparently programmed to switch off if there is no passenger in the front seat. This is contrary to the user manual of the SRX which states that an airbag would open regardless.

Here’s the important part that you need to pay attention to, as the recall affects SRX models manufactured between Feb. 2, 2010 and April 29. If your model falls in between these dates, you will be contacted by General Motors soon to arrange a free servicing to fix the problem.

What your thoughts on this latest recall for General Motors? Are you surprised by the air bag malfunction?If you have an instant question for General Motors, you could try messaging them on their Twitter account here.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/10/general-motors-recall-cadillac-srx-2011-model-at-risk/feed/ 0 GM CEO gas tax proposal could increase car loans http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/08/gm-ceo-gas-tax-proposal-could-increase-car-loans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gm-ceo-gas-tax-proposal-could-increase-car-loans http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/08/gm-ceo-gas-tax-proposal-could-increase-car-loans/#comments Wed, 08 Jun 2011 10:27:03 +0000 Peter Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=133766 We were all shocked when we learned of the GM CEO gas tax proposal a few days back. We have to wonder why Dan Akerson from General Motors is getting involved in politics – maybe the company should worry about themselves and why they needed to be bailed by the taxpayer before trying to fleece them again, as well as to help increase car loans.

Akerson believes that if the government were to raise the tax on gas by a dollar a gallon, it will force people to stop using their vehicles as much. Now, we can see why he would propose such a thing, but we are a long way from the idea working. Being forced to pay more tax on gas will not reduce the number of vehicles on the road, all it will do is anger drivers.

Take the UK for instants, they pay just over $10 for a gallon of fuel and almost 80 percent of that is tax. They also have a congestion charge in London, so drivers have to pay £10 per day to drive into the city. Now we have not really seen a huge drop in the amount of cars on the road, they just seem to pay up.

Having said that, London does have a great transportation system, so those drivers who do not wish to pay the high gas prices or congestion charge can use public transport. However, this will not work in the U.S. as the country is so vast and in some places public transport is not that great.

The other issue here is the fact that the alternative fuel cars are just not there yet. OK, so we know that we have hybrid cars and electric vehicles, but they are a long way off from offering a practical solution. The idea of a car is not just commenting to work, which is the only real purpose of the Nissan Leaf for example.

Having said that, if you do want to save fuel then the best way at the moment is with the likes of the Toyota Prius or other hybrid models. The issue here is that this requires money, something that is hard to come by at the moment. This would mean that the average American driver would have to get a car loan to pay for the new vehicle. Now we are not that great at math, but it would take years to even see a return in your investment – if ever.

To conclude the only people who would benefit from a gas tax hike would the U.S. government, carmakers like GM and car loan companies – where does the environment figure in all this?

Do you agree with a GM’s gas tax proposal?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/06/08/gm-ceo-gas-tax-proposal-could-increase-car-loans/feed/ 1 New cars & black box, what this means for the driver http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/25/new-cars-black-box-what-this-means-for-the-driver/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-cars-black-box-what-this-means-for-the-driver http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/25/new-cars-black-box-what-this-means-for-the-driver/#comments Wed, 25 May 2011 09:14:07 +0000 Peter Chubb http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=132049 The thought that new cars could have black boxes is something that might become reality soon if NHTSA has their way, as they are expected to make a ruling on this next month. Most of you will want to know what this means for the driver? Well we bet you did not know that a huge number of modern cars already have the system.

We already know that General Motors has being using such a system since the 90s in most of models that come with an air bag. That is all well and good, but drivers want to know what kind of information will be stored in the black boxes? The other worry is that other carmakers also have a similar system, but a standard is needed.

It is for this reason why the NHTSA wants to push through a standard system, so that they all collect the exact same data. This is something that has been used in F1 for a number of years now by the FIA, to see if a team has been doing anything that goes against the rules of the sport.

Wired says that it will be insurance companies law enforcement official and also automakers who will have access to the data on the black box, and here lies the problem. The device will be on at all times, so some drivers believe that it is an invasion of their privacy – even though they might already have one in their car.

Do you agree with the NHTSA that all new cars should be fitted with a black box?

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/05/25/new-cars-black-box-what-this-means-for-the-driver/feed/ 0 Chevrolet Cruze: Vehicles recalled due to incorrectly fixed steering wheel http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/04/11/chevrolet-cruze-vehicles-recalled-due-to-incorrectly-fixed-steering-wheel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chevrolet-cruze-vehicles-recalled-due-to-incorrectly-fixed-steering-wheel http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/04/11/chevrolet-cruze-vehicles-recalled-due-to-incorrectly-fixed-steering-wheel/#comments Mon, 11 Apr 2011 09:01:18 +0000 Gary Johnson http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=127772 In recent years we have seen many different cars and trucks being recalled for various manufacturing defects. A bizarre new problem has surfaced on the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and an incorrectly fixed steering wheel.

Jonathan Welsh from The Wall Street Journal is reporting that at least one driver had the steering wheel come away from the column. This has resulted in the General Motors Corp. recalling 2,100 vehicles as a result of the problem.

The recall is quite a small one, but Chevrolet has seen the model prove to be pretty successful so far selling 50,205 up to the end of March. The Chevrolet Cruze was brought out to replace the Cobalt which only sold 37,379 in the same period.

Chevrolet have said they traced the problem where the wrong wheel was placed in a car, and later replaced with the correct one but wasn’t attached properly. When the problem occurred the driver managed to get his Cruze to the side of the road, and the company said they found no other cars with the fault after testing cars from the same production run.

The manufacturer has since changed the production process so only the correct steering wheel can be used by the machine which fits them. All the vehicles made before this process change are part of the recall which has started now. Owners can contact Chevrolet on 1-800-630-2438.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/04/11/chevrolet-cruze-vehicles-recalled-due-to-incorrectly-fixed-steering-wheel/feed/ 1 Revenge of the Electric Car: 2011 Trailer Exciting or Not? http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/03/17/revenge-of-the-electric-car-2011-trailer-exciting-or-not/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=revenge-of-the-electric-car-2011-trailer-exciting-or-not http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/03/17/revenge-of-the-electric-car-2011-trailer-exciting-or-not/#comments Thu, 17 Mar 2011 12:39:59 +0000 Alan Ng http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=125642 If you are a car lover and you watched the 2006 film ‘Who killed the Electric Car?‘, you’ll be very interested to know that the trailer for the follow up, titled ‘Revenge of the Electric Car’ has now been released following a Facebook campaign.

For those of you who don’t know, Revenge of the Electric Car is a documentary style film which follows the progression of car makers building electric cars ready to release to the public. Such car makers include the likes of General Motors, Tesla Motors and Nissan.

You can watch the trailer below and see it for yourself. The actual film will release on April 22nd on Earth Day at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, as reported from the WSJ. The whole project centres around the idea of the electric car making a ‘comeback’ into the auto industry after previous concerns about whether the battery powered autos would be successful or not.

Since this is a unique film, the movie will not be shown everywhere after it’s April 22nd premiere. Instead, the film makers are asking for fans to email them with requests and the most requests from a particular city will be included on the list of places that the movie will be shown. If you want to sign up, head to the official website here.

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]]> http://www.product-reviews.net/2011/03/17/revenge-of-the-electric-car-2011-trailer-exciting-or-not/feed/ 1 GM’s 1000 New Engineers http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/12/01/gms-1000-new-engineers/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=gms-1000-new-engineers http://www.product-reviews.net/2010/12/01/gms-1000-new-engineers/#comments Tue, 30 Nov 2010 23:21:05 +0000 Jamie Pert http://www.product-reviews.net/?p=115832 The last year or so has been great for General Motors and Chrysler, thanks to government loans they managed to survive the tough economic times, now we are hearing that both will be hiring engineers and researchers.

This was announced on Tuesday, apparently in total there are plans to hire 1,000 engineers and researchers, GM has already begun hiring, however Chrysler will begin hiring over the next four months.

According to a recent Yahoo News article GM is now making money and Chrysler has narrowed its losses, the fact that they are now looking to hire more employees shows that things look to be headed in the right direction.

Sometimes it takes businesses the fear of bankruptcy to think about what they are doing wrong and shuffle things, both companies have managed to get on top of their financial situations and are said to be in less debt and have lower labor costs than they did when they almost went bankrupt.

If you would like to find fully detailed information regarding how GM and Chrysler are getting back on track check out the source link below, do you think that General Motors and Chrysler have strong futures ahead of them?

Source: YahooNews

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