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Roll pins in recalled 2014-2015 Cadillac CTS V-Sports could crack

General Motors has issued a recall for select 2014-2015 Cadillac CTS V-Sport sedans due to roll pins in the rear differential that could crack. The recall only affects 2,866 vehicles, but it is expected that 100% of those vehicles have the defective parts. According to NHTSA Campaign No. 20V038000, 2014-2015 CTS V-Sports built between July 1, 2013 and May 15, 2015 have roll pins in the rear-axle differential that could "fatigue" and "fracture." If these pins were to break while the vehicle is in motion, it could cause the rear to lock up, which might create a potentially dangerous driving situation. In September 2019, a GM engineer noticed a forum discussion about the problem with the V-Sports, which can be easily identified by their twin-turbo 3.6-liter V6 engines. Because he had dealt with similar issues with his own personal vehicle, he submitted a report, and an investigation was opened the next month. To make good with its customers, GM has promised to replace the rear differentials on all affected vehicles. The recall report says the roll pins in the replacement parts will have "increased strength" and a double-shear design rather than the original single-shear design.  GM plans to send customers recall identification notices starting March 9, 2020. 

GM CEO Barra says 'we are selling every truck we can build'

DETROIT — General Motors Chief Executive Mary Barra said on Monday the automaker is "selling every truck we can build" and expanding North American truck-building capacity, even as U.S. gasoline prices hit record highs. Barra made her comments during the automaker's annual shareholder meeting. GM is pursuing a two-track strategy: Investing heavily in electric vehicles for North America, China and other markets, and funding those investments by trying to maximize profits from its North American combustion pickup truck and large SUV lineups. Barra said GM is planning higher-priced versions of its Silverado large pickup and its large SUV models. GM and its Detroit rivals Ford Motor Co and Stellantis NV rely heavily on sales of large pickup trucks and SUVs for global profits. High U.S. gasoline prices in the past have undermined consumer demand for relatively inefficient models. Nominal pump prices hit an average of above $5 a gallon for the first time ever last week, the federal government said Friday. GM is ramping up production of EVs. Barra said the Cadillac Lyriq electric sport utility is sold out through 2023. In response to shareholder questions, Barra said the "clear priority" for using cash generated by its operations is to "accelerate our EV plans." She did not rule out share buybacks or other approaches to returning cash to shareholders. GM still expects to increase production this year by 25-30%, despite continuing pressure on semiconductor supplies globally. Barra said GM is working to redesign vehicles to reduce the number of processors required by 95%. Barra serves as GM's board chair and CEO. GM shareholders overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to separate those roles.

These are the top luxury cars bought by people entering the segment for the first time

Let's say you just got a big promotion at work or the kids are moving out of the house, and you finally have some extra money. You decide to blow it all at once and treat yourself by upgrading your ride. Naturally, you look to a luxury automaker. What do you choose?
Models like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class may be tailor-made to introduce buyers to the premium segment, but a new study finds that they don't garner the highest rates of non-luxury customer conquests. It turns out that a Volvo leads among folks moving up to a premium brand, and it isn't even one that's made anymore, at that.
A recent study by Polk and IHS Automotive looked at what models had the highest rates of buyers upgrading from a non-luxury segment. The information comes from its new vehicle registration data through April 2014. All ten top models boasted conquest rates of over 50 percent, but the Volvo C70 led the field with 68.01 percent of its customers coming from non-premium brands.