Starting Lines: September 2009
Mercedes-Benz Drivers Enjoy Better Road Safety
The evidence is now clear: drivers of Mercedes-Benz vehicles are safer on the road than drivers of other car brands, says a study conducted by Mercedes-Benz. The accident research is based on official, anonymous data samples from the Federal Office of Statistics. Having looked at 18,748 accidents resulting in personal injury during the period from 2003 to 2007, the study found that the risk of being seriously or fatally injured as the driver of an E-Class, is 10.4 percent lower than for comparable vehicles of other brands. The study did not even allow for the fact that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are involved in accidents less frequently than the vehicles of other brands – primarily because, among other reasons, Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to introduce ESP® across the board. The study of accident severity only took into account accidents resulting in personal injury. The criteria were initial registration from 2002 onwards, as well as a performance and weight class corresponding to the E-Class. The result represents evidence of the contribution made by the passive safety systems of Mercedes-Benz to reducing the consequences of an accident. The systems include adaptive front airbags and belt-force limiters which can adapt to the severity of an impact, rollover sensors, curtain air bags, and an intelligently designed body structure which provides occupants with excellent protection even in the event of severe collisions.
Politicians Demand Canadian Auto Consumers’ “Right to Repair” Their Vehicles
Members of Parliament from the NDP party say Canadian auto consumers deserve choice and competition when it comes to repair and maintenance of their vehicles. They made the statement at a news conference earlier this month held at a Midas Automotive and Tire Service in Halifax along with members of the auto aftermarket industry, to advocate for their Private Member’s Bill C-273 that passed second reading the in House of Commons on May 13 by a vote of 247 to 18, to ensure consumers the “Right to Repair. On-board diagnostic capabilities (OBD II) were introduced by the automobile industry in 1998 and are contained on approximately 59 percent of the 18.4 million vehicles on the road in Canada. As cars and trucks become more advanced, the use of these computer control units is essential for the proper maintenance of emissions, safety standards, and operations. The tools and software required for repair are increasingly complex, thus creating a need for accurate disclosure and fair access to these technologies. Difficulty in obtaining this information and equipment has created significant consumer concern. The bill contains provisions that balance the need to protect proprietary information while at the same time creating a mechanism to keep robust competition in the auto service sector. The Canadian Automobile Association represents five million motorists across the country and says its main concern on the “Right to Repair” issue is to make sure that automobile owners get the best possible service at a fair price. This bill will benefit the consumer by allowing for increased competition and consumer choice. The Bill has been endorsed by the Automotive Industries Association, the CAA, Pollution Probe, the Retail Council of Canada, and numerous other automotive and consumer organizations.
BRP Adds Touring Model and Trailer to Can-Am Line-up
BRP has introduced the new Can-Am Spyder RT roadster in response to specific consumer demand for a touring platform. The 2010 Can-Am Spyder roadster line-up now includes the Spyder RS (roadster sport) and the Spyder RT (roadster touring) models. The Can-Am Spyder RT roadster will be powered by a Rotax 991 engine with Electronic Throttle Control optimized for touring. The RT features the same acclaimed Bosch-engineered Vehicle Stability System (VSS) as found in the Spyder RS roadster, which includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and stability control systems. The VSS, coupled with the inherent stability of the roadster’s ‘Y-architecture’ and overall ease of use reinvents riding for enthusiasts of all skill levels. BRP is also introducing an industry-first optional RT622 trailer package, providing an additional 622 litres (22 cu. ft) of storage, designed specifically for the Spyder RT roadster and compatible with the vehicle’s stability system.
Cobo Center in Detroit Gets Much Needed Upgrades
A long road of continued success is receiving some resurfacing for the North American International Auto Show. Newly enacted legislation includes a $300 million deal to enable Cobo Center in Detroit to receive much-needed improvements, ensuring the show’s future home. The bill states Cobo Center will remain the property of Detroit, with a regional authority leasing it for the next 30 years. Additional support will come from the state’s 21st Century Fund and Health and Safety Fund, state cigarette taxes, hotel, liquor and county taxes. “Cobo Center has been the home of the North American International Auto Show for 44 years and our goal has always been to keep it there, at the heart of an automotive-driven community,” said Doug Fox, 2010 NAIAS senior co-chair. “This bill ensures we will be able to give our customers some immediate improvements for 2010 and continue renovations over the long term to offer a world-class facility to our exhibitors.” The North American International Auto Show is entering its 22nd year as an international event; it is among the most prestigious auto shows in the world and is one of the largest media events in North America. The NAIAS is the only auto show in the United States to earn an annual distinguished sanction of the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d’Automobiles, the Paris-based alliance of automotive trade associations and manufacturers from around the world. The show runs January 16-24, 2010.
GM to Close All Canadian Saturn Dealerships by Year End
Canada’s Saturn dealerships will close down by year end due to the pending sale of the brand to automotive entrepreneur Roger Penske. “After careful and thorough analysis, it was determined that the business case did not support distribution of Saturn vehicles in Canada,” says GM spokesman, Stew Low. GM and Penske jointly made the decision, said Penske Automotive Group Inc. spokesman, Tony Pordon. “There was a study done, essentially, in terms of a thorough and careful analysis on a business case in Canada,” Pordon said. “We decided, both General Motors and Penske, that we can’t go in Canada.” GM sent out word of the decision last week to all 46 Saturn dealers in Canada and said the company will move Saturn’s customer service, parts and warranty operations to other GM dealerships. Penske, whose automotive group operates over 300 dealerships worldwide, signed an agreement in June while GM was in bankruptcy to purchase Saturn by the end of the third quarter as GM had made the decision to reduce its eight North American brands to four by selling Saturn, Hummer and Saab and discontinuing Pontiac. Through the end of July, Saturn had sold 5,816 vehicles in Canada, which was down 50.2 percent from last year, and experienced a total Canadian vehicle sales decline of 16.7 percent through July.
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