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NHTSA Releases Final Tire Pressure Monitoring Rule
All passenger cars will have tire pressure monitoring systems beginning with
the 2006 model year according to a new motor vehicle safety standard by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The regulation will require that manufacturers install a system that can
detect when one or more of the vehicle’s tires are 25 percent or more below
the recommended inflation pressure.
Phase-in of the new regulation will begin Sept. 1, 2005. All new 4-wheeled vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or
less must be equipped with the monitoring system by the 2008 model year.
According to NHTSA, under-inflated tires can adversely affect fuel economy,
lead to skidding and loss of control and hydroplaning on wet surfaces. It
can also increase stopping distance and the likelihood of tire failures.
NHTSA estimates that about 120 lives a year will be saved when all new vehicles
are equipped with the tire pressure monitoring systems. In addition, consumers
should see improved fuel economy and increased tire life.
The manufacturers’ average cost per vehicle is estimated to be between $48.44 and $69.89, depending on the technology used.
The tire pressure monitoring system was required by Congress when it enacted
the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation
(TREAD) Act in 2000.
Cadillac First To Offer Satellite TV System As Option
Source: Satellite TV Zone
If you're one of the few people who watch any of the endless TV shows about
customizing your car, you probably know that putting a system capable of
receiving television is pretty much de rigueur these days.
To date, such systems have pretty much been the preserve of creative aftermarket
stores. But recent days have seen plans from bigger firms to make TV's available
for rear seat passengers, and now comes a plan from Cadillac to have the
work done in dealerships.
So, starting soon, Cadillac dealers in the U.S. and possibly Canada (these
things are always flexible) will be able to attach the TracVision A5 satellite
TV service from KVH Industries with DIRECTV programming in Escalades. The
large SUV has been chosen at least in part because it's big enough to carry
the satellite receiver.
KVH has been offering these kinds of systems for some time, primarily as an aftermarket item on the roves of RV's and the like.
For those keeping score, that makes GM's luxury car division the first automotive
brand to offer live satellite TV (as opposed to pre-recorded DVD's or VHS
tapes) as an accessory through an authorized dealer.
TracVision A5 was the winner of the 2004 General Motors Most Innovative Product
Design Award and provides in-motion reception of more than 135 channels of
live, satellite TV programming from DIRECTV, Inc., in vehicles traveling
on open roads throughout the continental United States and the southern parts
of Canada.
The decision to do this was made in part by a Canadian native, namely Jim
Taylor, the general manager of Cadillac who started out life in Peterborough,
Ontario. ''Vehicle personalization is very important to Cadillac customers,''
notes Taylor, and ''the TracVision satellite TV system offers our customers
the ultimate rear seat entertainment system. We've shown the TracVision to
our top dealers and they told us loud and clear that they want this kind
of high-end accessory to enhance the appeal of the Escalade.''
The suggested retail price for the Cadillac package is US $2,695, which includes
a custom installation kit for Escalades as well as a multi-year warranty.
Interested consumers should check the website at www.tracvision.com for more
details of the system.
Speaking about this new offer, KVH president and CEO Martin Kits van Heyningen,
says there's more to working with Cadillac than the honor of the connection
with ''the gold standard for American luxury vehicles, with the Cadillac
Escalade leading the way.'' Specifically, this program is ''a major milestone
in our overall plans to widely offer satellite TV to the light vehicle market.''
Computer In Car Is Crash Prone
Source: John O’Dell Los Angeles Times
The software glitch that caused some Toyota Prius hybrids to suddenly
stall casts a spotlight on a broader problem: Cars have computers, lots of
them, and computers can crash. Automakers spend $2 billion to $3 billion
a year fixing software problems, said Stavros Stefanis, an automotive software
specialist at IBM Corp.
The typical passenger car has 70 or more tiny but powerful computers onboard
that control audio systems, air conditioning, brakes, air bags and scores
of other tasks.
And the systems are complex: Software for the average car can have more than
35 million lines of code, 100 times or more the code needed for a full-color,
action- and sound-packed interactive computer game.
The fuel-stingy hybrids, which need to control separate gas and electric
power sources, are even more complex. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration this week said it had received 13 complaints of Prius stalling
or stopping for no apparent reason, sometimes at high speed. Toyota Motor
Corp. said the problem stemmed from a software bug in the complex computer
system.
There also have been consumer complaints about Mazda Motor Corp.'s new RX-8
sports car. The software controlling fuel injection was flooding the engine
-- but on cars only in cold weather states.
"Every car company is doing regular updates of its operating software" to
get rid of glitches, said Mazda spokesman Jeremy Barnes. Mazda developed
a software fix for the RX-8 that has been installed in about 3,000 vehicles.
"I wouldn't be surprised if every single carmaker hasn't had an electronics
issue with every single model at some point," Barnes said.
Repair data seem to bear that out -- 32 percent of auto warranty claims in
the United States are for software or electronics-related issues, Stefanis
said.
BMW's iDrive, a sophisticated computerized joystick that controls lights,
navigation, audio and scores of functions, was plagued by software glitches
when it premiered in 2002. BMW had to install numerous upgrades to get the
system working smoothly.
DaimlerChrysler's Mercedes-Benz line has also experienced electronics bugs.
As a result, the German carmaker's reliability has fallen dramatically in
recent years, with Mercedes getting bad reviews for its electrical problems
in Consumer Reports' surveys.
Some owners of late model Mercedes-Benz E-Class cars have complained online
recently about software glitches affecting their electronically controlled
automatic transmissions.
Mercedes has acknowledged the problems, but like other carmakers, it points
out that automotive computers must work in conditions that would send the
typical laptop or desktop computer into meltdown. The systems are jolted
in rear-end freeway crashes, bounced over potholes at 60 mph, subject to
extreme heat on summer drives through the Mojave and to extreme cold on ski
trips.
"We probably should be shocked that there are so few problems" with electronics,
said Kevin Smith, editorial director of Edmunds.com. A chat room on the automotive
information site was home to a string of complaints that first drew attention
to the Prius' stalling problem in some 2004 and 2005 models.
Toyota said it would collect data on the problems to see whether there was something that could lead to a fix.
There's no doubt about the popularity of hybrids, though. Toyota said Tuesday
that it would add a Camry hybrid sedan to its lineup next year -- the first
of the company's fuel-efficient hybrids to be built in the United States.
In Passing.
(Obituaries Courtesy The Standard Times)
Note: Due to recent requests, we will be adding family survivors to our customer’s obituaries as space allows.
NEW BEDFORD -- James A. Giammalvo,
57, of New Bedford, died Friday, June 10, 2005, at home surrounded by family
and friends after a four-year battle with cancer. He was the husband of Sandra
L. (Thomas) Giammalvo. A lifelong resident of New Bedford, he was the son
of James J. and Alice (Muir) Giammalvo of New Bedford. He was a communicant
of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish. He was a 1966 graduate
of New Bedford High School and received his associate degree in criminal
justice from Bristol Community College in 1979. He was a police officer in
New Bedford for 28 years, retiring in 2003. He was a representative for the
police department with the Law Enforcement Agencies Processing System/Criminal
Justice Information System. He worked at J.C. Rhodes from 1970 to 1975. Mr.
Giammalvo was a member of the New Bedford Police Association, the Massachusetts
Police Association and the Massachusetts Retired State, County and Municipal
Employees Association. A Vietnam War veteran, he was stationed in Sembach,
Germany, while serving in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970. He served in the
Air National Guard 102nd Fighter Wing at Otis Air Force Base from 1972 until
his retirement in 2003 as Master Sergeant. He received many awards while
in the Air National Guard. Mr. Giammalvo was a former Cub Scout Master for
Pack 12, former member of the DeRossi Accordion School, former treasurer
of the New Bedford Festival Theater and a member of the Benevolent and Protective
Order of Elks, Lodge 73. He enjoyed Jimmy Buffett and was an active member
of the Nautical Whalers Parrot Head Club. His happiest moments were with
family, vacationing in New Hampshire and Florida, and playing with Kaitlyn
and Matthew, who called him Papa. Mr. Giammalvo was the lead walker at the
2002 American Cancer Society Relay For Life. In 2002, he received the William
H. Carney Community Service Award. Survivors include his wife; his parents;
a son, Thomas J. Giammalvo and his wife, Maggie, of New Bedford; four brothers,
Richard Giammalvo and his wife, Lynette, of Hawaii, Paul Giammalvo and his
wife, Susan, of Dartmouth, Dennis Giammalvo and his wife, Marie, of New Bedford,
and David Giammalvo of Mattapoisett; his father-in-law, Leonel Thomas of
New Bedford; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was
the son-in-law of the late Sally Thomas.
NEW BEDFORD -- Donald L. Nahigyan, O.D., 80, of New Bedford died Monday,
April 18, 2005, at St. Luke's Hospital after a long illness. He was the widower
of Verna P. (Dutra) Nahigyan. Born in Melrose, he was the son of the late
Souren K. and Ruth (Green) Nahigyan. He was raised in Greenwood before moving
to New Bedford and Mattapoisett 50 years ago. He was a World War II Army
veteran, participating in the invasion of Okinawa, and later served in Korea.
Dr. Nahigyan was a member of the Rotary Club, and member and past president
of the Mattapoisett Lions Club and the New Bedford Country Club. Survivors
include his companion, Elvira Carvalho of Fairhaven; two sons, Donald L.
Nahigyan Jr. and Dr. Drew L. Nahigyan and his wife, Lynne, all of Mattapoisett;
a daughter, Darcy Nahigyan Gregory and her husband, Fred A. Gregory, of Durham,
N.C.; two brothers, Dana Nahigyan of Canton and Bruce Nahigyan of Ohio; four
grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was a brother of the late
Arax Saucier.
FAIRHAVEN -- Normand L. Rivet, 86, of Fairhaven died Sunday, April
3, 2005, at Alden Place Assisted Living after a long illness. He was the
widower of Yvonne A. (Lague) Rivet and the son of the late Albert and Albina
(Langlois) Rivet. Born in Acushnet, Mr. Rivet had lived in New Bedford and
Acushnet. He was a sales manager for Shuster Corp. for 46 years before retiring.
Mr. Rivet served in the Army during World War II, retiring as a second lieutenant.
He was the commander of a 40mm automatic weapons compound of 80 soldiers.
He was a communicant of St. John Neumann Church in Freetown and a member
of the Knights of Columbus McMahon Council, Alhambra. He spent the winter
in Florida and enjoyed gardening and farming. He was dedicated to his wife
and family. Survivors include two sons, Leonard N. Rivet and his wife, Roberta,
of Arlington, Va., and Albert R. Rivet and his wife, Elizabeth, of Acushnet;
two daughters, Norma Y. Scott and her husband, W. James, of Mashpee and Denise
C. Tetreault and her husband, Denis, of Acushnet; a sister, Yvonne Lacoste
of Fairhaven; 14 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews;
and caregivers. He was the brother of the late Rene Rivet and Annette LeBlanc.
FAIRHAVEN -- Leona B. (Lemieux) Daniel, 72, of Fairhaven died unexpectedly
at home Saturday, March 26, 2005. She was the wife of Romeo A. Daniel. Born
in New Bedford, she was the daughter of the late Olivier and Cecile (Doucette)
Lemieux. She lived in Fairhaven most of her life. She was a communicant of
St. Joseph's Church. Mrs. Daniel was a member of the Fairhaven Senior Citizens.
She loved walking, gardening, sewing, quilting and knitting. She especially
enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include her widower;
three sons, Dennis Daniel and his wife, Denise, of Fairhaven, Stephen Daniel
of Taunton and Gerald Daniel and his wife, Anna, of Underhill, Vt.; four
daughters, Cecile Waterman and her husband, George, of Gilbertsville, Pa.,
Anne Boulay and her husband, Mark, of Rochester, Linda Tchorz of Acushnet
and Jane Clough and her husband, Daniel, of Fairhaven; a brother, Raymond
Lemieux of Mattapoisett; four sisters, Teresa Savoie of Orange, Calif., Cecile
Alphonse of Fairhaven, Rita Silva of Clearwater, Fla., and Rolande Begin
and her husband, Marcel, of New Bedford; 17 grandchildren; a great-granddaughter;
and many nieces and nephews.
NEW BEDFORD -- Mary C. (Carney) Selley, 79, of New Bedford died Friday,
March 18, 2005, at Taber Street Nursing Home after a brief illness. She was
the wife of Richmond T. Selley. A lifelong resident of New Bedford, she was
the daughter of the late Edward and Cecelia (Cullen) Carney. Mrs. Selley
was a communicant of St. Lawrence Church. She was a beloved wife, mother
and grandmother. Survivors include her widower; two sons, Richmond T. Selley
and his wife, Gretchen, and Peter E. Selley and his wife, Janice, all of
New Bedford; two daughters, Kathleen M. Rhodes and her husband, Michael,
of Fairhaven and Margaret M. Selley of New Bedford; a brother, Joseph Carney
of New Bedford; a sister, Theresa Wood of Sandwich, six grandchildren; and
nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Edward "Ned" and James
Carney.
NEW BEDFORD -- William Goyette, 54, of New Bedford, died unexpectedly
Sunday, May 22, 2005, at St. Luke's Hospital. He was the fiancee of Donna
Medeiros of New Bedford. Born in Acushnet, he was the son of the late Lillian
(Thifault) and Ademord Goyette Jr. He lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a fisherman for 19 years, and was most recently working for Settipane
Foundation Co. in Dartmouth. Mr. Goyette was an Army veteran of the Vietnam
War. He was a member of the American Legion Post 121 in Berkley. He thoroughly
enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, but enjoyed spending time with his family
most of all. Survivors include his fiancee; two sons, Steven Goyette and
his wife, Bernadette, and Nathan Goyette, all of New Bedford; a daughter,
Jennifer Rioux of New Bedford; two stepdaughters, Lisa Rioux and Katie Rioux,
both of New Bedford; a brother, Leo Goyette of New Bedford; a sister, Elaine
Stevenson of California; nine grandchildren; and two nieces and a nephew.
He was the brother-in-law of the late June Goyette.
ABINGTON -- Jean Caya Bancroft, 70, of Abington died at home Wednesday,
June 22, 2005. She was the companion of Colin F. MacKinnon. Born in Fall
River, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna Louise (Keavy) Caya.
She graduated from Mount St. Mary Academy and was a cum laude graduate of
Salve Regina University in sociology and education. She did postgraduate
work and in-service training in business and human behavior. She was the
national president of Kappa Gamma Pi. She was a well-known television and
radio personality. She hosted radio shows in New Bedford, Lowell, Fall River
and Boston, and appeared on television on the Boston area stations and local
cable stations. Ms. Caya Bancroft owned Wordwright Productions in Abington.
She was a handwriting expert and an author. She was commander of Coast Guard
Flotilla 618 of Westport. In 2003, she received a letter of commendation
from the Coast Guard commandant for service to the community. She was one
of the first recipients of a newly minted coin for the Coast Guard station
at Woods Hole. She was a former director of field services for the Plymouth
Bay Girl Scout Council. She received a proclamation from the Massachusetts
Senate, recognizing her as a significant person in Massachusetts history.
She received the Business Women Golden Citation and was Woman of the Year
for the Fairhaven and New Bedford area. Ms. Caya Bancroft was listed in Who's
Who in many areas, including the International Who's Who of Professionals
and Who's Who in Media and Communications. Survivors include her companion;
and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was the sister
of the late Patricia Randolph.
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