身为曾经的cefiro车主(接手亲戚车,七年间从7万开到10万里程)，因为工作换到
不太需要(也供养不起车位)用汽车也能顺畅上下班的台北，前年告别cefiro的我..
其实很喜欢Ford EcoSport，从上市开始就喜欢到现在了(掩面)
以上是背景介绍，虽然这几年没车开，但是一直以来都持续在车板吸收新知，
福特在我大ptt车板的角色定位，不得不说真的十分有讨论度。
最近美国律师号召福特Focus/Fiesta车主就PowerShift变速箱瑕疵导致权益受损
一事提出告诉的新闻吸引了我，毕竟在美国诉诸法律行动争取权益，相对来说应
该会吸引媒体持续关注，正好暴雨来袭晚上晃到事务所为了此案特别开设的网站
“http://www.fordtransmissionproblems.com”
发现这事务所真的很认真的说明为何要吉福特，当然，天下没有白吃的午餐，
事务所肯定是认为有利可图才会吉，只是为了说服志同道合的车主一起吉，
他们其实对PowerShift变速箱瑕疵做了重点解说，再配上事务所在法律行动上
的策略说明，看完连我都想参加了...我是说，我都上了一课。
就让我分享给大家，做为上课用笔记吧(误)
=======================================================================
Ford's transmission problem
问题细节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双离合器变速箱在2010年量产。搭载这款变速器的车款有Ford
Fiesta (2011-2016间生产)及Ford Focus (2012-2016间生产)
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变速箱基本上是一款由电脑控制、使用"乾式"离合器而非"湿式"离合器的
手排变速箱。"乾式"离合器如字面上所示，换档机构并没有受到油品润滑，因此在
问题发生后可能会产生进一步的磨损。当负责控制变速箱的电脑模组无法处理剧烈
加速、行驶中档位切换时，车辆会震动并发出人耳可辨识的噪音。车辆也会在降档
时遇到问题，也就是车速已经降低但档位依然维持在高档的情况，造成车辆会抖动。
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.
这并不是不便或是不舒服的问题。在行经路口时，加速上的延迟，会导致Ford车辆
无法跟其他使用自动变速箱的车辆一样达到相同的速度，这是危险的情形。
而当车辆在减速时，变速箱无法正确的降档，会导致车辆往前突进，甚至在车主踩下
煞车时一样无法制止这样的突进，这样就会衍生各种危险。
问题细节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.
虽然持续不断的接受软件更新，"照理说" 要能增进电脑掌握换档机制的能力，各地
服务中心已经被排队等候更换变速箱的车主给挤得接应不暇。Ford的做法是更换部分
车种的TCM (Transmission Control Module) ，希望这样可以解决问题。但是，
有3-4年车龄的车主，可能在过程中换用第2/3/4个变速箱。
问题细节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.
因为车主遇上这样的问题，Ford已经把许多车种的保固期限延长，有些甚至来到
100,000英里(1 mile=1.6km)。这表示Ford很清楚这样的问题是个进行式，因此决定
要做出让步补偿车主。但是，为了进行维修所要付出的时间和成本，对于车主来说
是无法接受的。更重要的是，延长保固但无法保证换上的零件能正常运作，对车主
来说只是把必然会发生的成本拖延到未来而已。
=======================================================================
About Stern Law, PLLC
这一切的缘起是...
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.
一位本事务所同仁，在他太太怀孕两人期待新生命到来时，买了他人生第一台新车
“Ford Focus” ，买车对他们全家来说可是一笔大投资。但是，交车后才行驶区区
数千英里(1 mile=1.6km)，问题就发生了。而这位同仁的抱怨吸引了我们的注意。
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.
不论是从静止状态下起步加速过程中感受很明显的延迟，或是伴随着档位切换产生
的顿挫、异音，同仁的Ford Focus毛病不断。一开始，送回原厂得到的处置不见显著
效果。随着时间流逝，购车不到四年，除了车上变速箱已经换到第三组，根本解决
问题的对策依然不见踪影。
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.
本事务所曾经帮助过许多根本不清楚问题发生在哪里，只能被迫接受的无辜家庭，
为他们争取权益。而眼前Ford Focus / Fiesta车款变速箱的问题，正是我们保护
美国民众安全与舒适的下一个战场。
==========================================================================
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车款自动变速箱是确确实实有问题的
Our goal is to help owners get what they deserve
我们的目标是帮助车主得到他们应得的
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,
没有任何一位Ford Focus / Fiesta的车主在购入新车时会相信，买车之后的某一天，
竟然会衍生出官司来。但是，很不幸的，对于过去6-7年间购入上述车款的车主来说
，情况真的已经演变成这样。这一切与车主的驾驶技术、爱惜车辆与否无关，Ford
Focus / Fiesta自动变速箱的问题根源是在差劲的制造与设计。
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.
你可能会观察到加速过程中相当明显的延迟感。也许，在行车过程中，会有奇怪的
声响或顿挫引起你的注意。 数不清的车主已经将车辆带回原厂并且要求改善这些问题。
但是，尽管接受维修，问题依旧。
The only solution moving forward is to ensure your legal rights are protected.
剩下的解决方案就是确保您在法律上的权益获得保障
While the transmission was intended to increase gas mileage... it's instead
created real problems
变速箱作用是在提升车辆行驶效率，但却制造出其他问题
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公司向来强调创新设计的Powershift变速箱是Focus / Fiesta车主拥有的出色
配备，但是Ford公司却在品质和确保车辆提供安全、有效率且表现一致的行车体验
两点上失败了。
Constant software updates have not resolved the issue
持续不断的软件更新没有真正解决问题
Frequent repairs of transmission and modules have not resolved the issue
频繁的维修变速箱及模组没有真正解决问题
Ford has otherwise not corrected the defect
Ford没有改正缺失
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
对车主来说，保障自己财产安全的下一步就是集合提告，由我们代为发起
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
委托本所发起集体诉讼， 将可以保障您的权益，并且针对Ford无法保证车主安心
行车这点采取行动
==========================================================================
Our Litigation
我们提告的内容
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.
本事务所代表数千名现任及前任 Ford Focus / Fiesta车主，对Ford公司持续生产、
使用有缺陷的PowerShift变速系统提出告诉。由于采“mass action”诉讼，每一位
个别车主的提告都会被个别评估，以了解每一位车主在Ford公司执意生产有瑕疵
变速箱，且无法在事后提出改正方案的情况下遭受到怎样的损失。这样的做法，
降低了每件诉讼的费用，将更多赔偿直接回馈给车主。
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.
美国各州都有不同的消费者权益保障法规，用来处理因购买瑕疵、广告不实商品时发生
的问题。您可能听过关于购买汽车这项商品的“车王条款=Lemon Law”，但我们也有
全国一体适用的消费者权益保障法规“Magnuson-Moss保固法案”。这些法规是为服务
及保护消费者而设置，以便对抗不正当企业贩售瑕疵产品的各种手段。简单来说，这些
法规都让生产商品的企业在问题发生时必须负责。
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车款上，这代表两件事：
第一，
当一款车种，在不断维修后还是无法正常行驶时，在法庭上就能争取国家仲裁给予
救济(relief)
第二，
在各州“车王条款=Lemon Law”与国家层级“Magnuson-Moss 保固法案”的保障之下，
Ford必须负担诉讼费用。因此，只要参与本所发起的集体诉讼，每一位Focus / Fiesta
车主将能获得来自Ford的财务赔偿，同时无须向本所支付任何费用。
How is this different than a class action, or other Lemon law cases?
这与集体诉讼，或是其他车王条款的案件有何不同?
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.
解释当中差别很简单。您的问题是单独被处理，而我们事前不向您个人(车主)收费。
消费者权益保障法允许费用转移。这表示，因“车王条款=Lemon Law”与国家层级
“Magnuson-Moss保固法案”被告的企业必须负担诉讼费用，支付代表消费者提告
的法律事务所。
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.
依消费者保障法为您以“mass action”形式对Ford提告，本事务所将不会对任何车主
收取费用，我们会把所有开销费用汇整后直接向Ford请款。有些专攻车王条款的律师
可能要求从赔偿金中收取部分佣金，但我们不会这样做。
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.
我们提议的做法也不同于“class action=集体诉讼” ，在class action的提告形式下，
律师通常会从赔偿金中收取一定费用。class action提告成功的话，通常会让律师大赚
一笔，然后车主实际上只拿到一次免费保养跟“下次购车折500”券一张。我们完全
是以车主权益为第一考量，来选择诉讼形式，而非只想从中为我们事务所大捞一笔。
===================================E N D====================================
虽然这网站就是一个大型广告，但从这个真实/现在进行式的法律案件中，似乎
也看到美国福特汽车与福特汽车车主之间的确因为PowerShift有了冲突，尤其听到
发起的律师在号召短片中说“福特可能会告诉你"PS有问题?没有的事啦""异音是你
自己想像出来的啦，这是PS变速箱正常运作的正常声响"”根本是乡民用语来着...
他分析福特会劝退车主申请更换变速箱，是考虑到车王条款(Lemon Law)在美国
触发条件就是“累计申请更换变速箱数量”。
态度亲切的律师鼓励大家一起吉福特
https://youtu.be/fJ8-Z8BDPHM
但今天只是提告一事上新闻，日后有什么发展可能还要继续观察囉。
以上，报告完毕。