GM reports test fleet of robot cars was in six minor crashes last month.

Reuters (10/4) reports that General Motors’ self-driving unit, Cruise Automation, “has more than doubled the size of its test fleet of robot cars in California during the past three months.” However, as the test fleet has grown, it has also reported more crashes. In September, GM’s robot cars were involved in six minor crashes in California. Rebecca Mark, spokeswoman for GM Cruise, said, “All our incidents this year were caused by the other vehicle.” None of the accidents resulted in injuries or serious damage. In a statement, GM said, “While we look forward to the day when autonomous vehicles are commonplace, the streets we drive on today are not so simple, and we will continue to learn how humans drive and improve 

Fiat Chrysler issues recall on 710,000 SUVs over brake issue.

Reuters (10/3) reports that “Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s ... U.S. arm said on Tuesday it is recalling nearly 710,000 sport utility vehicles (SUVs) to check shields that protect brake boosters for proper installation,” which were previously involved in a 2014 recall. The company said Tuesday it was aware of one accident that may be related to the recall of the 2011-2014 Dodge Durangos and 2011-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees. The company “received 10,053 warranty claims from the vehicles involved in the recall.” The company also said the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration inquired in February about the vehicles repaired in the 2014 recall.

        The AP (10/3) reports that brake shields were improperly installed that “could let water leak in and limit braking ability.” The water can also cause corrosion or enter the booster and freeze. Vehicle drivers may notice a dashboard warning light prior to any problems. The recall is anticipated to begin on Nov. 7. 

Ford Recalls F-750 Heavy Trucks for Steering Problems

The Automotive Fleet (9/27, 62K) reports that “Ford Motor Co. is recalling 77 2015-model year Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks in the U.S. so dealers can resolve a steering system problem.” The problem involves a risk that the steering system’s tie rod becomes loose and disconnects, which could remove the driver’s ability to steer. The safety recall reference code is 17S30. Roadshow (9/27, 2.35M) also reports. 

“American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act” “AVSTART Act”

The Senate Commerce Committee is working on crafting a draft proposed bill on Automated Vehicles in the Senate.  The AV START Act represents a positive step forward toward the eventual integration of automated driving systems into the vehicle fleet. However, it is critically important to public safety and protection of rights guaranteed under the constitution that there be a robust savings clause that clearly protects the safety of the American public and rights guaranteed to American citizens by the seventh (7^th) Amendment to the Constitution, To protect public safety and constitutional rights the following language should be added to the bill: 

No preemption of common law or statutory causes of action for civil relief or criminal conduct

(A) In general

Nothing in this chapter, nor any amendment made by the “American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act” or the “AV START Act” , nor any standard, rule, requirement, standard of performance, risk evaluation, or scientific assessment implemented pursuant to this chapter, shall be construed to preempt, displace, or supplant any State or Federal common law rights or any State or Federal statute creating a remedy for civil relief, including those for civil damage, or a penalty for a criminal conduct.

(B) Clarification of no preemption

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, nothing in this chapter, nor any amendments made by the “American Vision for Safer Transportation through Advancement of Revolutionary Technologies Act” or the “AV START Act” shall preempt or preclude any cause of action for personal injury, wrongful death, property damage, or other injury based on negligence, strict liability, products liability, failure to warn, or any other legal theory of liability under any State law, maritime law, or Federal common law or statutory theory.

This language should be non-controversial as it changes nothing in terms of longstanding constitutional rights, common law and statutory protections. General Motors has also stated publically, in an interview with the Detroit News:  “There are 100 years of legal precedent, we don’t see any reason that should be changed for Autonomous vehicles. We stand behind our product. Just like we stand behind our products we put on the road today we still stand behind our autonomous vehicles we put on the road today”

 http://www.savecampaign.org/2017/general-motors-publicaly-declares-gm-will-stand-behind-its-autonomous-vehilces-while-ford-and-fiat-chrysler-refuse-to-take-responsibility-for-their-robot-car-failures/

This language should also be familiar as it was the same language used in the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act

Fiat Chrysler recalls diesel ram pickup trucks over fire risk.

Road and Track (9/24, Atiyeh, 887K) reports that “Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling 443,712 Ram pickup trucks in the United States for faulty water pumps that can potentially catch fire, the company said Tuesday.” Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks and chassis-cab 3500, 4500, and 5500s from 2013 through 2017 were built with faulty water-pump bearings. The trucks under the recall are powered with a 6.7 liter V-8 diesel engine. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) filing is not yet available. 

Fiat Chrysler issues Pacifica minivan seat belt recall.

The AP (9/20) reports that driving a Fiat Chrysler Pacifica minivan too aggressively may cause a second-row seat belt to unbuckle. The company “is recalling almost 50,000 Pacifica vans in the U.S. and Canada from the 2017 and 2018 model years, all with an eight-passenger seating option.” The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “said in documents posted Wednesday...that dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle in a recall that’s expected to begin on Oct. 20.” Company engineers specialized in interior safety restraints discovered the issue. Fox Business (9/20, 741K) reports the company advised not using the second-row’s center seat when other passengers are seated in the same row, until repairs are made. 

Fiat Chrysler recalls nearly 500,000 trucks over defective water pump.

The Wall Street Journal (9/19, Dawson, Subscription Publication, 6.45M) reports Tuesday, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles announced a recall of 494,417 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickup trucks as well as chassis cabs for the 3500, 4500, and 5500 models because of defective water pumps which may “overheat and potentially cause an engine fire” according to the announcement. No accidents or injuries have been reported.

        WWJ-TV Detroit (9/19, 34K) reports the trucks have 6.7-liter engines. The recall includes units with model years between 2013 to 2017. Reuters (9/19, Shepardson) reports FCA said “a small number of fire-related incidents” have been reported.

        The recall was also reported by CNN Money (9/19, Wiener-Bronner, 3.59M) and the AP (9/19).