NEW YORK (AP) — Ford is recalling more than 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles due to a battery detection issue that can result in loss of drive power, increasing crash risks.
According to documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the body and power train control modules for these cars may fail to detect changes in battery charge. And when undetected, a low battery charge can cause an unexpected loss of drive power — including sudden stalling or inability to restart — and the use of other electric capabilities like hazard lights.
The recall covers about 403,000 model year 2021-2024 Bronco Sports produced between February 2020 and March 2024, as well as more than 53,000 model year 2022-2023 Mavericks manufactured from February 2021 to October 2022, a recall report dated Friday notes.
To remedy this issue, dealers will recalibrate the impacted vehicles' body and power train control modules at no cost. Owner notification letters are set to be mailed out on May 13, a Tuesday NHSTA recall acknowledgment letter notes.
The software update is not available yet, a Ford spokesperson confirmed to The Associated Press Wednesday, but should arrive by later in the second quarter. In a statement, the spokesperson added that “safety is a top priority, and we are taking proactive measures to address this issue promptly and effectively.”
As of February 8, the NHSTA recall report notes, Ford was not aware of any injuries tied to the issue — but the Dearborn, Michigan-based the company noted 917 related warranty reports, 11 field reports and 54 customer complaints. There were also two property damage claims and three unverified fire reports.
This isn't the only recall impacting Bronco Sport owners.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said last week that it was investigating the remedy Ford had proposed after the recall of nearly 43,000 select Bronco Sport and Escape SUVs, in which gasoline can leak from the fuel injectors onto hot engine surfaces, increasing the risk of fires. The NHTSA said remedy did not include repairing the fuel leaks.
FILE -A Ford Bronco is displayed at a Gus Machado Ford dealership on Jan. 23, 2023, in Hialeah, Fla. Ford is recalling more than 456,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, due to a battery detection issue that can result in loss of drive power. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, File)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 30, 2024--
Dubai has launched a blueprint for Artificial Intelligence (AI), a yearly plan that will focus on harnessing the technology’s potential to improve quality of life around the world.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240430433819/en/
The plan begins with the appointment of a CEO for AI in each government entity, and will be followed by the establishment of an AI and WEB3 Incubator, which will develop into the largest global hub for AI and technology companies. The hub will attract innovators, startups and AI leaders from around the world and support of development of their ideas into successful enterprises or real-world applications.
The plan also includes the introduction of AI Week into schools and colleges to help integrate AI applications into the educational system. This will enable students to develop skills that align with future market needs such as coding, and introduce them to the latest tools and best practices in this field.
The blueprint will see the launch of the Dubai Commercial License for Artificial Intelligence, which will support the development of the sector by attracting specialized companies and individuals to Dubai, stimulate investments, and solidify Dubai’s position as a preferred business destination for technology and innovation companies. As part of the plan, land will be allocated for data centers, which will contribute to the development of world-class infrastructure that can support Dubai’s digital transformation journey.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, said: “In 1999, we launched Dubai’s digital transformation, a venture that has continued to achieve milestones leading to the recent unveiling of the Dubai Digital Strategy last year. Our record-breaking accomplishments have established us as the premier hub for billion-dollar global enterprises in the technology and artificial intelligence sectors within the region.”
His Highness added, "In recent years, the evolution of artificial intelligence has accelerated, presenting numerous opportunities for nations and governments adept at utilizing it, while posing challenges for those unable to keep pace. This required swift and adaptive action plans responsive to the rapid changes in technology and artificial intelligence.”
Dubai’s annual plan for accelerating the adoption of AI and implementations across all sectors is a major component of Dubai’s ambition to become the best city in the world for technology utilization and the fastest to adopt advanced applications.
*Source: AETOSWire
Dubai launches global blueprint for artificial intelligence (Graphic: AETOSWire)
