Uber Technologies has halted its testing of self-driving vehicles after a March 18 incident in which one of its cars struck and killed a pedestrian in Tempe, Ariz.

The Uber vehicle, a 2017 Volvo XC90, was in autonomous mode with a driver behind the wheel when it struck 49-year-old Elaine Herzberg, according to Sgt. Ronald Elcock of the Tempe Police Department. Herzberg was walking a bicycle from one side of the road to the other when the accident occurred, and Elcock noted that she was “outside of the crosswalk.”

In the wake of the incident, Uber Technologies has suspended its testing of self-driving vehicles.

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Self-driving Uber in Fatal Accident May Not Have Had Time to Stop, Police Say – CBS

Police say early indications show an Uber self-driving SUV may not have had time to stop or avoid hitting a pedestrian who was killed in Arizona. Uber suspended all testing of its autonomous vehicles after the Sunday night crash. It is the first-known pedestrian fatality involving a self-driving car. Kris Van Cleave reports.

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Woman dies after being hit by self-driving Uber – ABC News

The ride-sharing company is suspending testing of autonomous cars after one of its cars struck a pedestrian, Elaine Herzberg, 49, in Arizona.

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CNN Investigation – Body Shops Say Insurance Companies Skimp on Safety

Excerpted transcript from Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN:

If you car is ever damaged in an accident and repaired by a major insurance company in this country, there are major federal and state lawsuits underway that you should probably know about.  Autobody shops across the United States…more than 500 of them…claim that some big insurance companies have long deliberately skimped when it comes to repairing damaged vehicles…all so the insurance companies can pad their profits.

The lawsuits allege it’s a scheme that can not only lead to rushed and minimal repairs, but repairs that can include using recycled, re-manufactured as one lawyer puts it and junk parts to fix your car.  Some Attorney’s General believe the alleged scheme may have another effect…you could be driving a very dangerous car.

CNN’s Senior Investigative Correspondent Drew Griffin reports… (Watch Video Above)

 

Consumer Reports – Aftermarket Car Replacement Parts

Want another trusted perspective?…like Consumer Reports?  New crash-test video dramatically illustrates what can happen when a cheap aftermarket part suffers even a low-speed impact.

Excerpted transcript from Consumer Reports:

Some aftermarket car repair parts are not up to original equipment standards.  Here (video above), a 2006-2009 Ford Fusion front bumper reinforcement does the job it was engineered to do.  It deforms and absorbs a 6.1 mph impact to protect the vehicle…then springs back into shape.  This part, normally concealed behind the car’s cometic bumper cover, is made of a relatively pliable plastic.  The non-Ford replacement part does nothing to protect the vehicle in a dramatic failure. (Watch Video Above)

 

Edmunds – Aftermarket Versus Manufacturer Car Parts – Is the Extra Cost Worth It?

When Should You Request OEM Parts?

When it comes to collision repairs, make sure you are getting OEM parts, since aftermarket body panels may not fit properly or have proper crumple zones for crash safety.

If you lease your car, there are also economic considerations. Since aftermarket parts decrease a vehicle’s book value, using them to repair your vehicle’s body may cost you part or all of your security deposit.

But here’s the rub: In 21 states and the District of Columbia, a body shop’s repair estimate does not have to indicate whether aftermarket parts will be used. You’ll often find that your insurance company will favor aftermarket parts because they are cheaper. If you request OEM parts, some insurance companies ask you to pay an additional fee. Check with your insurance provider beforehand, to see what parts they will cover.

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As an independent small business owner, we at Johnny’s Custom Autobody sympathize with real life David and Goliath stories.  Here’s one we understand extremely well.  Because we’re an independent autobody shop too….we face similar challenges every day with MULTIPLE insurance companies.  Though we seldom share our battles with you, we feel compelled to tell you about this one. Here are news excerpts from multiple sources on this case:

Oregon MSO Files Lawsuit Against GEICO – FenderBender

Leif’s Auto Collision Centers, a two-shop network (formerly 11 shops) in Oregon, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against GEICO for “cutting corners and making unsafe repairs.”

The court filings allege GEICO engaged in a conspiracy beginning no later than 2014 with a small group of auto body shops in Portland to provide incomplete repairs in return for a promise of consistent referrals.

“The purpose of these agreements is to maximize GEICO’s profits by causing its automobile policyholders to accept unsafe and incomplete repairs,” according to the lawsuit filed in United States District Court.

“As the lawsuit explains, this is a classic hub-and-spoke conspiracy where a big industry giant bullies its way to higher profits,” said Steven Olson, attorney for Leif’s. “Many Oregonians will be surprised to learn that they are driving unsafe cars as a direct result of GEICO’s backroom dealings with repair shops.”

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CNN’s Drew Griffin investigates claims that some insurance companies are skimping on repairing damaged vehicles to pad their profits. – Anderson Cooper 360

Class-Action Lawsuit Hits GEICO Over Unsafe Repairs – Autobody News

A lawsuit filed by Leif Hansen on behalf of GEICO customers claims the insurance giant has routinely violated the terms of its auto policies by refusing to pay for essential and critical vehicle repairs.

According to the lawsuit, which is seeking class-action status, GEICO has a nationwide, longstanding policy and practice of refusing to pay for electronic vehicle scans, which help determine the safety and repair status of a vehicle. On average, these scans cost $100 and are required or recommended by nearly all major auto manufacturers to ensure auto repairs are safe and complete.

Consumer advocate and auto repair shop owner Leif Hansen is the lead plaintiff of the lawsuit, filed Dec. 13 in U.S. District Court. The lawsuit seeks damages for losses incurred by all current and former GEICO policyholders that have suffered collision losses in the past six years.

“This is about seeking justice for the millions who have been bullied into claim settlements. Many are left without appropriate compensation and may be unknowingly driving unsafe cars” ~ Leif Hansen

“As many consumers already know, airbags, steering, braking and accident avoidance systems can be compromised after a collision. Electronic scans play a critical role in ensuring that vehicles are safe to drive.”

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Ore. shop sues GEICO, claims DRP creating antitrust conditions… – RepairerDriven News

A Portland, Ore-area collision repairer sued GEICO Tuesday on Sherman Antitrust Act grounds, alleging the carrier is conspiring with its Auto Damage Xpress direct repair program auto body shops to fix prices and boycott the plaintiff.

Leif’s Auto Collision Centers v. GEICO is similar to litigation the auto body shop filed in 2014 against that insurer and many others as part of the multi-state litigation pitting dozens of shops nationwide against carriers on steering and antitrust grounds. Leif’s dropped many smaller carriers as defendants in 2015, but left GEICO and some of the other major players named in the case.

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Leif Hansen (businessman) – Wikipedia

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It’s called the annual J.D. Power APEAL Awards… “U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout” (APEAL) Study…and it assesses what new-vehicle owners like and dislike about the performance, design, layout, and features of their new cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans. And yes, survey respondents are genuine owners of their respective vehicles for a minimum of 90 days.

This year, J.D. Power got detailed responses from roughly 70,000 vehicle owners this year…telling how happy they are with the car regarding 77 different aspects. Their answers are then compiled into a satisfaction score…with 1,000 points being the maximum.

Here are the top 10 ten brands (and their points score) that owners liked the most…in reverse order

10) Mini – 838 points – Though the Mini is BMW’s entry-level brand, it’s price tag can become quite high as options are added.

9) Jaguar – 838 points – Jaguar adds a new dimension of stellar ride quality and elegant styling that’s classically beautiful.

8) Lexus – 842 points – Lexus, Toyota’s luxury division…is actually the only Japanese car brand to hit the top ten.  Maybe not as fun to drive as other top 10ers…but luxurious it is indeed.

7) Cadillac – 843 points – Barely beating Lexus for seventh place…Cadillac (not unlike Jaguar) makes excellent strides at combining style with excellent driving dynamics.

6) Lincoln – 849 points – Surprising to some that it made it this high up the list, many people consider Lincoln to merely be repackaged Fords.  However, the Continental and upcoming Navigator are relative standouts.

5) Mercedes – 851 points –  Mercedes-Benz is one of four Germany top 10ers…but it’s also the lowest ranked of the German pack.

Wanna see the top 3?

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It’s no secret that independent auto body repair shops are at constant war with the ‘too big to fail’ insurance companies. We battle them every day here at Johnny’s Custom Auto Body and know first hand.

This Pennsylvania independent body shop owner lets consumers know exactly how he feels about the insurance industry.  Ron Perretta, owner of Professionals Auto Body in central Pennsylvania, urges consumers to avoid DRP shops in a YouTube spot titled, “Dishonest Insurance Companies.”

“Everyone knows how dishonest insurance companies are, short-cutting repairs by using junkyard and imitation parts, wanting to repair parts that should be replaced, and pushing hard to use their contracted shops that work for the insurance companies, not consumers,” ~ Ron Perretta 

Perretta, who started the business in 1979, reminds consumers that they have the right to choose which shop repairs their collision-damaged vehicles.

“Insurance companies are bad, really bad…They think they can kick you around until you do what they want, like they do their contracted shops.” ~ Ron Perretta (our Hero!)

Progressive and State Farm are “the worst for short-cutting repairs” Perretta states…and recommends a local Erie, PA Auto Insurance company which has high J.D. Powers customer satisfaction ratings for five (5) years straight.

Then Peretta continues: “Dump these companies that try to bully you and push you around.” .

Finally, the pièce de résistance…an adaptation from a famous Paul Harvey speech. Get your tissue box, the press Play.

pièce de résistance
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New devices that capture your cars’ computer sensor data using its on-board diagnostic port (OBD II is available on cars built from 1996 on) and adds a layer of additional features on top…have proliferated over the past few years.  These OBD 2 adapters also offer tracking and monitoring of driving and car diagnostics remotely from your Android or iOS device…transforming this information into a resource that helps easily understand a check-engine light, potentially improve your insurance rate based on how/when you actually drive, and create added safety features through tracking and emergency response services.

The following list of Consumer OBD monitoring devices currently on the market will help you compare Wifi and Bluetooth driving assistance systems and:

1. Get device and their app reviews. Determine if the adapter/dongle can work with your car model and your Android or iOS phone.
2. Filter based on monthly pricing, or by feature (theft tracking, api access, insurance or parental monitoring, etc).

Automatic – “Your Smart Driving Assistant”

• App Marketplace
• OBD-II Port and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Collision Detection using built-in accelerometer

CarLock – “The baby monitor for your car.”

• The CarLock Cloud will inform your emergency contacts via SMS if you had an accident. – Add backup SMS or call notifications (SIM card included)
• Export your trips data to your computer with CSV or XLS export
• CarLock actively monitors the health of your vehicle and alerts you in advance if your car battery is running dangerously low or is experiencing high battery drain.

Dash Car – “Smarter. Driving. Every Day.”

• Integrates with IFTTT
• Take pole position on the leaderboard, win rewards and share road trips
• Dash works with preferred OBD devices, starting as low as $10. Provides automated VIN decoding, multi-car support and push alerts.

Mojio – “Connect your car to apps on your phone”

• 3G Connectivity
• Built-in GPS
• App Marketplace

Vinli – “Your, Connected”

• Turns your car into a rolling WiFi hotspot
• 4G LTE, Wifi, and Bluetooth Connectivity
• Standalone GPS and app store

 

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Love those classic car chase scenes from the 70’s?  The French Connection…Gone in 60 Seconds…and yes, the legendary racing enthusiast…Steve McQueen in Bullitt…shot right here in San Francisco.  That 1968 Mustang GT that McQueen did most of the stunt driving in is about as iconic as they come. It was found just across the California border in a Mexicali, Mexico junkyard…and was confirmed authentic by the most respected Ford authenticator in the field.

Voted a top 10 most legendary cars in Hollywood history was actually one of two Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT’s used in the Bullitt movie: one kept clean and crisp for the chase scenes wall all know and love…and another that did most of the stunt dirty work in those infamous chase scenes. It was that stunt double that many thought so battered and bruised during the movie…that caused it to get scrapped for junk years ago.

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Driver assist technology is taking a small but practical jump forward with Audi’s launch of a traffic information feature that  is now available in select 2017 Audi A4, Q7 and all road models.  Part of the Audi connect system…the new feature is designed to help traffic flow and integrates vehicles with surrounding traffic light infrastructure.

“The launch of this technology is another in a long list of firsts for Audi that have positioned us as the industry leader in connectivity solutions…” ~ Scott Keogh, President,  Audi of America.

This new Traffic Light Information feature is a “vehicle to infrastructure” (V2I) tool designed help drivers in a practical everyday driving way…while helping Audi to innovate the driver experience and move it toward an autonomous future.  In fact, Audi is developing more infrastructure connected capabilities by growing relationships with the Google Earth mapping system and local retailers.

What does Audi’s traffic light feature actually do for drivers?

1. Time to Green – Drivers pulling up to stop lights will now know how long until the light turns green.
2. Speed Recommendation – that drivers should maintain to hit the most number of green lights and reduce time on-the-road.

Aiming for beneficial pragmatism as opposed to possible feelings of intrusiveness…Audi hopes to avoid alarming their customers about the quantity of information that their vehicles collect about them…as well as offering better traffic solutions and reducing congestion.

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Small businesses create nearly seven out of every ten new private sector jobs and employ half the private sector work force. They represent 99.7% of all U.S. businesses with employees and have created 63% of the net new jobs over the last 20 years. ~ Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) ~ Forbes

The Small Business Saturday Story

• 2010 – Day One –  The first-ever Small Business Saturday took place on Nov 27.  It encouraged people across the country to support small, local businesses.
• 2011 – The Day Became Official – The United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution of support for Small Business Saturday.
• 2012 – EVERY STATE IN THE UNION – From Washington D.C., to Washington State, governors, mayors, and even President Obama championed Small Business Saturday.
• 2013 – Neighborhoods Celebrated The Day – The day continued to grow, with more individuals and local organizations pledging to support the day as Neighborhood Champions.
• 2014 – SMALL BUSINESSES OWNED THE DAY – American Express encouraged small business owners to take charge of the day, helping them promote their businesses with free personalized ads, which appeared millions of times across the web.
• 2015 – ONE FOR THE BOOKS – Shoppers supported their neighborhood businesses like never before, continuing to embrace the day as a holiday shopping tradition.

 

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