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Report: Does Alex Rodriguez’ Mercedes dealership have a PR problem?

Filed under: Car Buying, Mercedes-Benz, Celebrities, Luxury

Alex Rodriguez Mercedes-Benz

Alex Rodriguez, in case you haven’t heard, is seemingly the new Most Hated Man In Baseball, ostensibly replacing commissioner Bud Selig (for now). Rodriguez was slammed with a 211-game suspension due to his role in the MLB’s latest steroid scandal in which “A-Roid,” as fans have taken to calling the former superstar, was cited with steroid use and attempts to hide his involvement by “engaging in a course of conduct intended to obstruct and frustrate” the investigation, according to the MLB’s official report.

Why is this on a car site, then? Because Rodriguez’ name is attached Alex Rodriguez Mercedes-Benz in League City, TX. An Ad Age report cites Mercedes-Benz USA in saying that A-Rod owns “about half'” of the dealership. Mercedes, for what it’s worth, isn’t going to any to any lengths to distance itself from its dealership or its controversial namesake, saying, “We never promoted the fact that A-Rod owned a dealership, so there’s really nothing to ‘distance’ ourselves from. And since his activity is not illegal but rather prohibited by MLB, there’s nothing actionable here.”

With the scandal still a fresh piece of news and A-Rod’s pending appeal, it’s difficult to tell what sort of effect, if any, his name will have on the dealership’s sales. Ad Age contacted the GM of Alex Rodriguez Mercedes-Benz to get the dealership’s view, but no calls were returned. According to Mercedes, any name change is up to Rodriguez and his partner(s) at the dealership. Somehow, though, we think A-Rod has other things to worry about beyond his dealership’s name.

Does Alex Rodriguez’ Mercedes dealership have a PR problem? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Aug 2013 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Time-lapse parking lot problem solving

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Videos, Humor

Parking lot polo

Parking lot problem solving – Click above to watch video after the jump

We aren’t sure what country this is, but parking-lot etiquette is clearly a foreign concept. Even without the the guy who thinks it’s just peachy-keen to block everyone else in, this lot is a circus.

When faced with adversity, however, those affected by their fellow motorist’s lack of consideration respond with aplomb. While we’d have just hopped the curb and driven across the grass to avoid the melee, the drivers in the video embedded after the jump above took it upon themselves to do a little rearranging.

With some careful pushing and shoving, a little guidance, and a healthy dose of skill, these guys manage to weasel their way out of what an infuriating situation. In the end, they even returned one of the cars they moved to its rightful spot. When life gives you lemons…

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Time-lapse parking lot problem solving originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 May 2011 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz reportedly recalling 136,000 M Class models over cruise control problem

Filed under: SUV, Recalls, Safety, Mercedes-Benz

2000 Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Mercedes-Benz is issuing a recall for its 2000-2002 M-Class and 2000-2004 M-Class AMG models after reports that hitting the brakes may not automatically turn off cruise control. The recall affects 136,751 vehicles built between August 1999 and June 2004.

The recall follows a preliminary investigation the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration started in December, 2010. The root of the problem is reportedly a failed brake lamp switch, which can cause not only the cruise control issue, but also prevent the vehicle being shifted out of park and a failure of the brake lights.

Though the investigation by NHTSA is only a few months old, Daimler AG issued a technical service bulletin in May, 2005 to replace the faulty brake lamp switch. According to Daimler, the problem can be solved by pumping the brakes to disengage cruise, but the automaker admits that it may require an “unusually high” amount of pressure on the pedal.

Mercedes dealers will replace the switch for affected customers when the recall begins in September.

[Source: The Detroit News]

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Mercedes-Benz reportedly recalling 136,000 M Class models over cruise control problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010-2011 Jeep Wrangler recalled over possible drivetrain problem

Filed under: Government/Legal, Safety, Jeep

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Jeep Wrangler – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler recently dodged the recall bullet when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration decided that the automaker didn’t have to recall 2007 and 2008 model year Jeep Wranglers for reported fuel leaks. Good news for Chrysler, but while that fuel issue wasn’t deemed worthy of a recall, a new drivetrain problem is.

The automaker is recalling 20,459 2010 and 2011 Jeep Wranglers for improperly torqued front and rear axle fasteners. NHTSA says the maladjusted fasteners could result in “noise, or ultimately, degradation in steering and handling characteristics.” If this situation isn’t dealt with, the vehicle could lose steering control, which could result in an accident. The crop of affected Wranglers were built between July 12 and September 10, 2010.

To remedy this situation, a Chrysler dealer will re-torque all 19 fasteners to the maximum torque value – free of charge, of course. Hit the jump read NHTSA’s official statement.

Gallery: 2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Jeep Wrangler 2011 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited 2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2011 Jeep Wrangler interior

[Source: NHTSA]

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2010-2011 Jeep Wrangler recalled over possible drivetrain problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Honda recallying 2,277 Accord and CR-V models over wiring problem

2010 Honda Accord Sedan – Click above for high-res image gallery

According to USA Today, Honda has announced that it is recalling 2,277 Accord and CR-V models for an electrical coupling that may have been damaged while the engine was being installed in the vehicles. If this is the case, the engine could stall during normal operation. The condition impacts certain 2010 Accord and CR-V models, and as of right now, no injuries or accidents have been reported due to the problem. Still, Honda says that it’s important for owners who are notified of the recall to take their vehicles in for inspection. Honda is expected to repair or replace the connector free of charge.

Owners of impacted vehicles can look for letters informing them of the recall in February. Repairs are slated to begin shortly thereafter. Hit the jump to see the NHTSA recall announcement.

Gallery: 2011 Honda Accord Sedan

Gallery: Review: 2010 Honda CR-V

[Source: NHTSA via USA Today]

Continue reading Report: Honda recallying 2,277 Accord and CR-V models over wiring problem

Report: Honda recallying 2,277 Accord and CR-V models over wiring problem originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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