U-Haul To Ford Explorer Owners: No Trailer For You!

The height of the Firestone-tire-failure-on-Ford-Explorers mess was 1998, when a class-action lawsuit was filed against Ford and Firestone. Since then, the Ford Explorer SUV has gone through three design revisions, including an all-new-from-the-ground-up redesign for the 2011 model year. Aside from the name, a 2011 Ford Explorer has virtually nothing in common with a pre-2000 Explorer, or even a 2010 Explorer. The new model is unibody construction, not body on frame construction. The new Explorer has a wider stance and a lower center of gravity, and drives more like a big sedan than it does a truck. Some critics have panned the new Explorer for losing its SUV credibility, but Ford did their research before building the latest version of their best-selling SUV. Like it or hate it, the latest Explorer is exactly what the bulk of their customers wanted, and new Explorer sales back that up.

The new Explorer does have one weakness, as Consumer Reports recently found out. If properly equipped, the Explorer can to up to 5,000 pounds, but it can’t tow a trailer, of any size, from U-Haul. It’s not that U-Haul uses a proprietary electrical connector or an off-sized hitch, it’s simply that U-Haul doesn’t want to defend a lawsuit involving a Ford Explorer. Even a brand-new-and-completely-redesigned Ford Explorer.

Joanne Fried, director of media and corporate relations with U-Haul, confirmed that this was indeed a corporate policy, and told Consumer Reports, “Every time we go to hire an attorney to defend a lawsuit, as soon as we say ‘Ford Explorer’ they charge us more money.” Their no-trailer-rental policy also extends to Jeep Wranglers, unless they’re equipped with a factory hard top.

If you’re in the market for a new Ford Explorer, factor this into your purchase decision. The new model is a big improvement in almost every way over the outgoing one, but it may not be fast enough to outrun all the ghosts of its past.

[Consumer Reports]

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Corvette owners aging, younger buyers not falling into place

Friday, May 20th, 2011 @ 2:32 p.m.

Gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary in just two model years, the Corvette nameplate is pretty much a senior citizen – and that also describes its aging buyer base.

Despite performance that might woo younger buyers, Corvette sales have declined big time since the current generation was introduced for 2005. Over the last five years, sales have toppled 65.4 percent, even though Chevrolet has added more power, more special edition models and more refinement.

GM acknowledges that sales aren’t where the automaker would like them. As a result, it is buying ads on Facebook, television and other media in an effort to raise awareness. Its latest TV campaign is its first since 2004, when the automaker introduced the sixth-generation Corvette to the public.

Maybe we got a little complacent,” Harlan Charles, Corvette product marketing manager, told The Dallas Morning News. “Maybe we need to tell the younger generation about just how special the Corvette is.”

Corvette’s future as the bowtie brand’s halo car is sealed through at least another generation, but its long-run longevity remains up in the air.

References
1.’Corvette wants to…’ view

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Old GM settles lawsuit with “Dex-Cool” owners

Monday, Mar 28th, 2011 @ 9:54 a.m.

A class-action lawsuit involving more than 10,000 General Motors vehicle owners may finally be resolved as Motors Liquidation Co. – better known as Old GM – has agreed to a settlement worth $2.2 million.

The lawsuit stems from a 2008 settlement. GM agreed to pay up to 35 million vehicle owners as much as $800 for engine and cooling system failures linked to its “Dex-Cool” system. Most of the claims were settled prior to GM’s 2009 bankruptcy, but some owners were left without compensation.

However, those “Dex-Cool” owners left out by GM’s bankruptcy will finally receive their payments – pending final court approval. Old GM has agreed to pay $2.2 million, listing the owners as one of its debtors. The owners will receive their payment as stock in the new GM, which will be sold for cash.

Prior to its 2009 bankruptcy, GM doled out $6.1 million to settle 40,000 of the 68,000 claims involving its “Dex-Cool” system. Additionally, GM also covered the owners’ $24 million in legal fees.

GM used the “Dex-Cool” system in several vehicles between 1995 and 2004, including the Pontiac Aztek, Grand Am and Grand Prix.

References
1.’GM vehicle owners…’ view

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