號召美Focus/Fiesta車主提告的專網千字文 - 汽車

By Franklin
at 2017-06-04T00:05

Table of Contents

身為曾經的cefiro車主(接手親戚車,七年間從7萬開到10萬里程)，因為工作換到
不太需要(也供養不起車位)用汽車也能順暢上下班的台北，前年告別cefiro的我..

其實很喜歡Ford EcoSport，從上市開始就喜歡到現在了(掩面)

以上是背景介紹，雖然這幾年沒車開，但是一直以來都持續在車板吸收新知，
福特在我大ptt車板的角色定位，不得不說真的十分有討論度。

最近美國律師號召福特Focus/Fiesta車主就PowerShift變速箱瑕疵導致權益受損
一事提出告訴的新聞吸引了我，畢竟在美國訴諸法律行動爭取權益，相對來說應
該會吸引媒體持續關注，正好暴雨來襲晚上晃到事務所為了此案特別開設的網站

「http://www.fordtransmissionproblems.com」

發現這事務所真的很認真的說明為何要吉福特，當然，天下沒有白吃的午餐，
事務所肯定是認為有利可圖才會吉，只是為了說服志同道合的車主一起吉，
他們其實對PowerShift變速箱瑕疵做了重點解說，再配上事務所在法律行動上
的策略說明，看完連我都想參加了...我是說，我都上了一課。

就讓我分享給大家，做為上課用筆記吧(誤)

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Ford's transmission problem

問題細節1

Ford’s PowerShift dual clutch transmission was used in 2010. Vehicles
impacted are the Ford Fiesta (model years 2011-2016) and the Ford Focus
(model years 2012-2016) equipped with a PowerShift transmission.

Ford的 PowerShift雙離合器變速箱在2010年量產。搭載這款變速器的車款有Ford
Fiesta (2011-2016間生產)及Ford Focus (2012-2016間生產)

The PowerShift transmission is basically a manual transmission controlled
electronically by a computer while using a 'dry clutch' rather than a 'wet
clutch,' meaning oil is not supplied to the shifting mechanism and can result
in increased wear and tear as problems persist. When the computer module used
to operate the transmission is unable to handle rapid acceleration or shifts
in speed, the vehicle sputters and creates an audible noise. The vehicle can
also experience problems with downshifting, meaning the vehicle will remain
in a higher gear despite deceleration and result in a lurch.

PowerShift變速箱基本上是一款由電腦控制、使用"乾式"離合器而非"濕式"離合器的
手排變速箱。"乾式"離合器如字面上所示，換檔機構並沒有受到油品潤滑，因此在
問題發生後可能會產生進一步的磨損。當負責控制變速箱的電腦模組無法處理劇烈
加速、行駛中檔位切換時，車輛會震動並發出人耳可辨識的噪音。車輛也會在降檔
時遇到問題，也就是車速已經降低但檔位依然維持在高檔的情況，造成車輛會抖動。

This is not just an issue of convenience or comfort, though. When
accelerating quickly into an intersection, the delay can be dangerous as it
prevents the vehicle from reaching the same speed a vehicle would achieve
with an automatic transmission. When it comes to deceleration, the car's
inability to properly downshift can lead to the vehicle lunging forward,
even when the brakes are applied, making for a safety hazard in many
circumstances.

這並不是不便或是不舒服的問題。在行經路口時，加速上的延遲，會導致Ford車輛
無法跟其他使用自動變速箱的車輛一樣達到相同的速度，這是危險的情形。
而當車輛在減速時，變速箱無法正確的降檔，會導致車輛往前突進，甚至在車主踩下
煞車時一樣無法制止這樣的突進，這樣就會衍生各種危險。

問題細節2

Despite consistent software updates expected to improve the computer's
ability to shift gears on demand, dealerships and service centers nationwide
have been overwhelmed by transmission replacement demands. Ford has also
taken action in replacing the TCM (Transmission Control Module) of some
vehicles in hopes of resolving the issue. Owners of these vehicles can often
be on their second, third... even fourth transmission after only 3-4 years of
ownership.

雖然持續不斷的接受軟體更新，"照理說" 要能增進電腦掌握換檔機制的能力，各地
服務中心已經被排隊等候更換變速箱的車主給擠得接應不暇。Ford的做法是更換部分
車種的TCM (Transmission Control Module) ，希望這樣可以解決問題。但是，
有3-4年車齡的車主，可能在過程中換用第2/3/4個變速箱。

問題細節3

Due to the problems that owners have faced, Ford has extended the warranty of
many of these vehicles, some for up to 100,000 miles. This is a clear
indication Ford is aware of an ongoing problem with the vehicles and has made
concessions to accommodate owners. However, the constant need for repair and
the time and expense imposed upon owners to allow such repairs, is not
acceptable. What's more, an extend warranty with no assurances of functional
parts simply delays an inevitable cost to owners of these vehicles.

因為車主遇上這樣的問題，Ford已經把許多車種的保固期限延長，有些甚至來到
100,000英里(1 mile=1.6km)。這表示Ford很清楚這樣的問題是個進行式，因此決定
要做出讓步補償車主。但是，為了進行維修所要付出的時間和成本，對於車主來說
是無法接受的。更重要的是，延長保固但無法保證換上的零件能正常運作，對車主
來說只是把必然會發生的成本拖延到未來而已。

=======================================================================

About Stern Law, PLLC

這一切的緣起是...

one of our firm's employees complained about problems with his Ford Focus.
Purchased as his first new vehicle when his wife was pregnant with their
first child, the Focus had been a major investment for his family. Yet,
within a few thousand miles, problems began.

一位本事務所同仁，在他太太懷孕兩人期待新生命到來時，買了他人生第一台新車
「Ford Focus」，買車對他們全家來說可是一筆大投資。但是，交車後才行駛區區
數千英里(1 mile=1.6km)，問題就發生了。而這位同仁的抱怨吸引了我們的注意。

Whether it was a dramatic delay in accelerating from a stop, shudders that
would accompany gear shifts or just odd noises, problems with his Ford Focus
persisted. Taking it to the dealership was unproductive at first. Yet now,
less than four years after purchase, the vehicle is on its third transmission
with no conclusive solution in sight.

不論是從靜止狀態下起步加速過程中感受很明顯的延遲，或是伴隨著檔位切換產生
的頓挫、異音，同仁的Ford Focus毛病不斷。一開始，送回原廠得到的處置不見顯著
效果。隨著時間流逝，購車不到四年，除了車上變速箱已經換到第三組，根本解決
問題的對策依然不見蹤影。

Our firm, Stern Law, PLLC, has protected the rights of families who are
unaware that the problems they face are abnormal and not their fault. The
issue with the automatic transmission in the Ford Focus and Ford Fiesta is
another example of how we are working to protect the rights of Americans who
deserve safety and comfort.

本事務所曾經幫助過許多根本不清楚問題發生在哪裡，只能被迫接受的無辜家庭，
為他們爭取權益。而眼前Ford Focus / Fiesta車款變速箱的問題，正是我們保護
美國民眾安全與舒適的下一個戰場。

==========================================================================

What are we doing

There is a very real problem with the automatic transmission in recent Ford
Focus and Ford Fiesta automobiles.

Ford Focus / Fiesta車款自動變速箱是確確實實有問題的

Our goal is to help owners get what they deserve
我們的目標是幫助車主得到他們應得的

No owner of a recent Ford Focus or Fiesta purchased their car believing it
would result in legal action down the road. Yet, unfortunately, this is the
reality for owners of these cars purchased in the last 6-7 years. Unrelated
to poor driving or reckless ownership,

沒有任何一位Ford Focus / Fiesta的車主在購入新車時會相信，買車之後的某一天，
竟然會衍生出官司來。但是，很不幸的，對於過去6-7年間購入上述車款的車主來說
，情況真的已經演變成這樣。這一切與車主的駕駛技術、愛惜車輛與否無關，Ford
Focus / Fiesta自動變速箱的問題根源是在差勁的製造與設計。

You may have noticed a dramatic hesitation as you accelerate. Perhaps a weird
sound or a shudder caught your attention. Countless owners have brought their
vehicle into a dealership and requested help with the problem. Yet, despite
repairs, the problem persists.

你可能會觀察到加速過程中相當明顯的延遲感。也許，在行車過程中，會有奇怪的
聲響或頓挫引起你的注意。數不清的車主已經將車輛帶回原廠並且要求改善這些問題。
但是，儘管接受維修，問題依舊。

The only solution moving forward is to ensure your legal rights are protected.

剩下的解決方案就是確保您在法律上的權益獲得保障

While the transmission was intended to increase gas mileage... it's instead
created real problems

變速箱作用是在提升車輛行駛效率，但卻製造出其他問題

Pointing to the innovative PowerShift Transmission as a true asset to owners
of automatic Focus and Fiesta models, Ford compromised the quality of its
product and its ability to provide safe, effective, and consistent driving
results.

Ford公司向來強調創新設計的Powershift變速箱是Focus / Fiesta車主擁有的出色
配備，但是Ford公司卻在品質和確保車輛提供安全、有效率且表現一致的行車體驗
兩點上失敗了。

Constant software updates have not resolved the issue
持續不斷的軟體更新沒有真正解決問題

Frequent repairs of transmission and modules have not resolved the issue
頻繁的維修變速箱及模組沒有真正解決問題

Ford has otherwise not corrected the defect
Ford沒有改正缺失

The next step is for owners to act and protect their financial investment
by joining the mass legal action we are filing on behalf of owners
對車主來說，保障自己財產安全的下一步就是集合提告，由我們代為發起

Doing so will result in us working to protect your rights and taking action
for Ford's failure to provide peace of mind on the roadways for these owners

委託本所發起集體訴訟，將可以保障您的權益，並且針對Ford無法保證車主安心
行車這點採取行動

==========================================================================

Our Litigation
我們提告的內容

Our law firm represents thousands of current and former Focus and Fiesta
owners, in claims against Ford for their continued use of the faulty
PowerShift transmission system.Filed as a mass action, these claims will be
individually evaluated and ultimately resolved based their own merit, due to
the same claim that Ford knowingly manufactured and has failed to correct a
defective transmission. This, in turn, limits the costs associated with each
case and leaves more money for the owners.

本事務所代表數千名現任及前任 Ford Focus / Fiesta車主，對Ford公司持續生產、
使用有缺陷的PowerShift變速系統提出告訴。由於採「mass action」訴訟，每一位
個別車主的提告都會被個別評估，以了解每一位車主在Ford公司執意生產有瑕疵
變速箱，且無法在事後提出改正方案的情況下遭受到怎樣的損失。這樣的做法，
降低了每件訴訟的費用，將更多賠償直接回饋給車主。

What does this mean?
你的意思是?

Each state has a variety of consumer protection laws aimed at helping
customers when an item they purchase does not work as advertised or expected.
You may have heard of the automobile ‘lemon law,’ but there is also a
national consumer protection law known as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
These laws serve and protect consumers by shielding them from improper
business practices surrounding defective products. In short, these laws hold
a business accountable when their product fails.

美國各州都有不同的消費者權益保障法規，用來處理因購買瑕疵、廣告不實商品時發生
的問題。您可能聽過關於購買汽車這項商品的「車王條款=Lemon Law」，但我們也有
全國一體適用的消費者權益保障法規「Magnuson-Moss保固法案」。這些法規是為服務
及保護消費者而設置，以便對抗不正當企業販售瑕疵產品的各種手段。簡單來說，這些
法規都讓生產商品的企業在問題發生時必須負責。

In the case of Focus and Fiesta automobiles, this means two things:

one, a vehicle that has continuously failed to operate properly despite
repeated repair attempts can qualify for ‘relief’ in a Court of law.

Second, under various state-specific Lemon laws and the national Magnuson-Moss
warranty claims, Ford is responsible for the payment of legal fees and costs.
As such, by filing as a part of our firm’s mass action, Focus and Fiesta
owners left in the cold by Ford can receive financial compensation without
owing our firm for the fees or costs of our representation.

在Focus / Fiesta車款上，這代表兩件事：

第一，
當一款車種，在不斷維修後還是無法正常行駛時，在法庭上就能爭取國家仲裁給予
救濟(relief)

第二，
在各州「車王條款=Lemon Law」與國家層級「Magnuson-Moss 保固法案」的保障之下，
Ford必須負擔訴訟費用。因此，只要參與本所發起的集體訴訟，每一位Focus / Fiesta
車主將能獲得來自Ford的財務賠償，同時無須向本所支付任何費用。

How is this different than a class action, or other Lemon law cases?
這與集體訴訟，或是其他車王條款的案件有何不同?

Simple: your problems are handled on an individual basis and we will not
charge you, the owner, up-front for our services. Consumer laws allow for
fee-shifting. This means that the manufacturer will have to pay the firm’s
attorney fees and costs that were accumulated in the case for representing
you in the matter per consumer protection laws such as state Lemon Law, and
Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.

解釋當中差別很簡單。您的問題是單獨被處理，而我們事前不向您個人(車主)收費。
消費者權益保障法允許費用轉移。這表示，因「車王條款=Lemon Law」與國家層級
「Magnuson-Moss保固法案」被告的企業必須負擔訴訟費用，支付代表消費者提告
的法律事務所。

As a mass action against Ford under these consumer protection laws, you will
not be charged any fee by our firm – we will bill Ford directly for the time
spent handling your case when we are successful on your behalf.
Some Lemon lawyers may seek to charge you a percentage of your recovery for
your losses. We do not.

依消費者保障法為您以「mass action」形式對Ford提告，本事務所將不會對任何車主
收取費用，我們會把所有開銷費用彙整後直接向Ford請款。有些專攻車王條款的律師
可能要求從賠償金中收取部分傭金，但我們不會這樣做。

This is also unlike a class action case where lawyers will typically take
percentage of your recovery as their fee. Class actions typically will richly
compensate the lawyers, while providing clients with a useless $500 coupon
towards a future Ford vehicle and one more repair. This is a carefully
selected action that seeks to do what’s right for car owners, not what’s
most profitable for a law firm.

我們提議的做法也不同於「class action=集體訴訟」，在class action的提告形式下，
律師通常會從賠償金中收取一定費用。class action提告成功的話，通常會讓律師大賺
一筆，然後車主實際上只拿到一次免費保養跟「下次購車折500」券一張。我們完全
是以車主權益為第一考量，來選擇訴訟形式，而非只想從中為我們事務所大撈一筆。

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雖然這網站就是一個大型廣告，但從這個真實/現在進行式的法律案件中，似乎
也看到美國福特汽車與福特汽車車主之間的確因為PowerShift有了衝突，尤其聽到
發起的律師在號召短片中說「福特可能會告訴你"PS有問題?沒有的事啦""異音是你
自己想像出來的啦，這是PS變速箱正常運作的正常聲響"」根本是鄉民用語來著...

他分析福特會勸退車主申請更換變速箱，是考慮到車王條款(Lemon Law)在美國
觸發條件就是「累計申請更換變速箱數量」。

態度親切的律師鼓勵大家一起吉福特
https://youtu.be/fJ8-Z8BDPHM