Ford is recalling almost 34,000 Transit Connect vans, and Chrysler is recalling 22,000 Dodge and Jeep vehicles. The Transit has a roof-related problem that may keep the vehicle from meeting safety standards. The Chrysler vehicles may have a problem with a brake component.
Despite some softness in the market month-over-month, used-vehicle pricing is still "healthy." NADA says luxury models and 4-5-year-old vehicles suffered the most decline. AutoRemarketing, July 12, 2010
International was ranked best in the Class 8 vocational truck segment in customer satisfaction and dealer service. Freightliner and Kenworth followed in the tough market. Quality was thought to suffer due to plant layoffs and shutdowns as sales volume dropped. However, dealers improved service trying to keep customers and attract others.
Fleet sales of new vehicles have risen to 21% from 17.4% a year ago in the 11.2M annual U.S. market. Automakers are not pushing heavily discounted fleet sales. Retail sales are just stagnant in an uncertain economy with high unemployment.
Ford Explorer with Firestone tire failures resulted in rollover problems which led to mandated stability control systems. The all-new 2011 Ford Explorer is full of safety features including a curve control upgrade to the stability control system which slows the vehicle automatically to keep it on the intended track even when drivers take the curve with too much speed.