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March 7, 2010

Today in automotive history: on this day in 1938 automotive industry pioneer Harvey Samuel Firestone, founder of the major American tire company that bore his name, died at the age of 69 in Miami Beach, Florida. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota moves past apologies, aims for sales
New ads for troubled automaker Toyota Motor Corp. are skipping the apologies and easing back into sales pitches -- too soon, some say. The campaign pushes the idea that Toyota customers remain loyal, even as the company faces congressional inquiries and some reports that its repairs may not fix the problem. The new campaign, by Toyota's main ad agency Saatchi & Saatchi, emphasizes what Toyota says are real satisfied buyers testifying that they still feel safe in their new Toyotas even after weeks of revelations about accelerator problems.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Chrysler gearing up for Dodge Viper finale
Chrysler Group LLC will start production of the final run of 500 Dodge Vipers on March 29 and wind up the year with the launch of the tiny Fiat 500, leaked production schedule dates show. Chrysler officials would not verify the dates that appeared on a third-party Web site devoted to Chrysler matters. But company and union officials confirmed some of the dates including the launch of the iconic sports car, the all-new Jeep Cherokee and a family of rear-drive sedans. Importantly, the schedule shows the automaker on track, if not ahead, of promises to get some new or improved cars and trucks to market this calendar year. In the competitive automotive market, the dearth of new products under Chrysler's previous owners has put the Auburn Hills company at a disadvantage. Its share of the market dropped to 11 percent at the end of 2009, with sales having fallen by 36 percent. In February, however, Chrysler's share was up to 12.2 percent, and sales were up 0.5 percent.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota holds rally with workers, dealers
Toyota President Akio Toyoda urged thousands of his employees today to work toward a new start and win back customer trust following safety lapses that have battered the world's biggest carmaker. "Let's go with high spirits, have fun and be confident while staying humble," Toyoda, choking up and wearing a gray workman's jacket, told 2,000 workers packed into the company's headquarters. "We are making a start today." His address, billed as "An Urgent Meeting for All Toyota -- Toward a New Beginning for Toyota," was also watched via live video by 7,000 workers at company plants. Representatives of suppliers and dealers also attended the event in the Japanese city named after the automaker. Toyoda returned to Japan earlier this week after being grilled by U.S. lawmakers in a congressional hearing on the spate of quality lapses that include braking problems and sticking gas pedals. The problems have resulted in global recalls of 8.5 million vehicles, 6 million of them in the U.S.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Geneva hype can't hide dire prospects for Europe in 2010
Europe's car manufacturers were putting on a brave face as they unveiled their latest automotive creations this week, but with economic prospects at best anemic and government subsidies running out, sales prospects look bleak for 2010. The annual Geneva Car Show is a truly Europe-wide chance for the entire industry to showcase its latest products. Europe's second big show of the year is scheduled for the fall, and is in Paris this time. It shares the spotlight in alternate years with Germany's Frankfurt. There was no particularly exciting new car in Geneva that might stop the traffic, but if there was a discernible technological theme, it was the attempt, often with a shade of desperation, to demonstrate green credentials.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Vancouver, Toronto used-car dealers rate low: APA
A majority of used car dealers and "curbsiders" visited in Toronto and Vancouver rated poorly in an undercover investigation by the Automobile Protection Association (APA). Posing as ordinary consumers, APA mystery shoppers visited 34 used car dealers and eight curbsiders (unlicensed dealers selling vehicles that appear to be for sale by private owners) in the two cities to shop for a used vehicle. The visits were recorded on hidden camera by television show W5. The report can be viewed at CTV. The sellers were evaluated on the accuracy of their advertising and their verbal representations, as well as on the condition of the vehicles offered for sale. Overall, two-third of the used-car dealers visited in Vancouver, and all but one dealer in Toronto received failing grades. The full report can be found at APA.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Dealers push GM for reinstatement
The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) has called on General Motors to reinstate some of the 240 dealers terminated in the wake of the company's bankruptcy proceedings last spring. The call by CADA comes after media reports indicating that, in the U.S., the company is preparing to reinstate more than 580 of the 1,160 dealerships that have filed for arbitration to get their franchises back. "It is clear that the process used to terminate some 240 GM dealers in Canada was flawed," said CADA president and CEO Richard Gauthier. "Based on the American admission, it is clear GM Canada has made some mistakes and needs to own up to these mistakes and reinstate Canadian dealers just as they are doing in the United States."   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Brazil builds 10 millionth ethanol vehicle
Brazil has built its ten millionth flexible-fuel vehicle, made by the country's National Association of Vehicle Manufacturers. "We congratulate the auto industry in Brazil for its vision and the boldness shown when it chose to invest heavily in flex technology, to the point that many of these industries do not even produce vehicles powered exclusively by gasoline anymore," said Marcos Jank, president of the Brazilian Sugarcane Industry Association. "The next step is to take this technically proven and highly successful project to the rest of the world, since all major automakers in Brazil have a global presence."   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Infiniti shows new M35 Hybrid in Geneva
Infiniti has unveiled its first hybrid, the M35 Hybrid, at the Geneva Motor Show. A decoupling V6 engine, 50 kW electric motor built into the seven-speed automatic transmission, and exceptionally fast charge and discharge response from the lithium-ion battery pack produce a hybrid that is electrically powered for more of the time, and at higher speeds, than conventional hybrids. The technology, which previewed in the Essence concept coupe at the Geneva show in 2009, has been named Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid. The company said it is the core of the future Infiniti performance.   [more]   [top of page]

YAHOO NEWS (COLORADO, USA) McDonald's parking spot dispute turns violent
A long-running argument over a favorite McDonald's parking spot has resulted in an assault conviction. A Colorado jury on Friday convicted 52-year-old Vernon Brandt of Loveland of felony third-degree assault for a 2008 fight with 85-year-old Richard Albers. On the day of the assault, Albers walked up to Brandt's truck because Brandt was blocking the spot Albers has been using almost every morning for 16 years. Albers tapped on Brandt's door, and Brandt then swung open his truck door, knocking Albers to the ground. Brandt then allegedly got out of his car, grabbed Albers and threatened to fight him. Prosecutors said the men had argued over the spot before. Sentencing has not been set.   [more]   [top of page]

February 28, 2010

Today in automotive history: on this day in 1940 Mario Andretti, whose name will become synonymous with American auto racing, was born in Montona, Italy. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Snowstorms, Toyota problems cut into February auto sales
February auto sales will rise an estimated 9 percent to 14 percent, a smaller than expected increase in the U.S. due to a shortage of hot-selling models, East Coast snowstorms and Toyota Motor Corp.'s recall problems, according to industry forecasters. When results are released Tuesday, automotive research firm Edmunds.com predicts retail sales will increase 14.2 percent from a year earlier, while research firm TrueCar.com expects a nearly 9 percent bump. Toyota, battered by recall problems, is expected to fall to fourth place in overall brand sales behind Ford, Chevrolet and Honda and post its lowest share of the U.S. market since 2005, analysts said.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Autorama show is no longer just for the guys
More than 3,000 students from across Michigan participated in the fifth annual student day at Autorama at Cobo Center on Friday. The event has seen a surge in the number of women interested in auto-related fields in the past several years. Organizers also said the number of women certified as automotive technicians and working in other jobs in the auto industry has tripled over the past decade. "I like cars and enjoy working on them and learning about them," said 18-year-old Elizabeth Brado, a senior at Roseville High School, who one day hopes to own a 1970 Dodge Challenger. "I want to go to college to become a technician."   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) NHTSA: Blocking EPA gas rules may backfire
Automakers could face sharply higher costs if Congress blocks the Environmental Protection Agency from finalizing tailpipe emissions limits, the Obama administration says. In a letter to congressional leaders, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's chief counsel, O. Kevin Vincent, said Congress would jeopardize a deal reached by automakers, California and the White House if it blocks the EPA from using its power to limit greenhouse gases. California and a dozen states could go forward, each with its own rules, if Congress blocks EPA from setting national standards. That would have the impact of "creating confusion, encouraging renewed litigation, and driving up the cost of compliance to automobile manufacturers and consumers alike," Vincent wrote.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Lawmaker: Toyota withheld evidence
A House Democrat on Friday said Toyota Motor Corp. documents show the automaker deliberately withheld testing and design data in crash lawsuits against it. In thousands of pages of records subpoenaed by a House committee, a former Toyota attorney claims that the company chose to pay large settlements in civil cases rather than reveal the "Books of Knowledge" -- a secret database covering all vehicle lines and parts. Rep. Ed Towns, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said the documents subpoenaed from ex-Toyota lawyer Dimitrios Biller "indicate Toyota deliberately withheld records that it was legally required to produce." Biller also accuses Toyota of trying to hide "evidence of safety defects from consumers and regulators, and fostered a culture of 'hypocrisy and deceit," Towns said.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) 11,000 pony up for new Mustang
Ford Motor Co. says 11,000 customers already have placed orders for the 2011 Ford Mustang -- three times the number of advance orders booked for the last model at this point in its launch. "Fuel economy ranks among the top two reasons people choose vehicles," said Steve Ling, Ford's North America car marketing manager. "With the 2011 Mustang lineup, we've found a way to offer even better fuel efficiency for V-6, GT and even Shelby GT500 performance drivers -- while improving performance. And consumers are responding." The new V-6 version of Ford's popular pony car gets 30 miles per gallon -- a 25 percent improvement over the current model. Orders for V-6s are up 19 percent over last year, Ford said.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Acceleration not just Toyota problem: Edmunds.com
While Toyota has more complaints about unintended acceleration than its competitors, government data shows it is an industry-wide problem affecting every car company, according to Edmunds.com. The company said that a review of U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows that every car company has unresolved complaints for unintended acceleration, and that a comprehensive fix "remains elusive." "The emphasis of the recent Congressional hearings seems to have been who learned about what and when they learned it," said Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of Edmunds.com. "The core issue of what's really causing the unresolved cases of unintended acceleration in the industry has been skirted. What's called for is an unprecedented, cross-industry and government safety agency collaboration to pool data and resources that gets to the bottom of unintended acceleration once and for all."   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Ford invests US$155 million for new Mustang engine
Ford is investing US$155 million and adding 60 jobs at its plant in Cleveland, Ohio to build a new, fuel-efficient V6 engine for the 2011 Mustang. The new engine is one of nine new or upgraded engines or transmissions for 2011 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. "Ford is absolutely committed to delivering class-leading fuel efficiency with every new vehicle we introduce, and this investment in Cleveland provides further proof," said Bill Russo, director of manufacturing for powertrain operations. The new, all-aluminum 3.7-litre V6 delivers 305 horsepower and, in U.S. testing, is expected to deliver the equivalent of 7.9 L/100 km on the highway when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The Mustang is also available with a 5.0-litre V8, produced at Ford's Essex Engine Plant in Windsor, Ontario, and a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 built in Romeo, Michigan. The V6 is expected to represent two-thirds of Mustang's volume in calendar year 2010 sales.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) GM supports federal mandate for EDRs in vehicles
General Motors has announced its support for a proposed U.S. federal mandate to install event data recorders (EDRs) in all new vehicles. EDRs can provide important crash-related data that will help promote vehicle and occupant safety. EDRs record data for retrieval after a crash that can assist in the understanding of how the vehicle's systems performed. Data is stored for the short period just before and after a crash. GM began widely installing the predecessor version of today's EDRs in vehicles in model-year 1990. They became standard equipment in light-duty vehicles in the 1995 model year. A device that allows for limited public retrieval of the data in GM's EDRs has been available since 1999.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Toyota extends customer service in U.S.
Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. has announced it will offer additional services to Toyota and Lexus customers affected by recent recalls. Working in cooperation with Attorneys General across the country, it will extend nationwide the additional services being provided to customers in New York whose vehicles are affected by recalls involving sticking accelerator pedals, floor mat pedal entrapment, anti-lock brake system software updates, and Tacoma front drive shaft inspection. The services are being provided to customers concerned about driving their vehicles before the repair is completed, and will be tailored to the owner's circumstances. They may include expediting scheduling of the repair, pickup and return of the vehicle by a dealership representative, driving the customer from the dealership to his or her place of work, and when necessary, providing other alternative transportation, such as a rental car, loaner vehicle or taxi reimbursement for the reasonable period that the customer is unable or unwilling to use the car.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) U.K. government offers grants for electric vehicles
The U.K. government has announced that it will offer subsidies to buyers of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, starting in January 2011. The subsidy will be worth 25 per cent of the car's recommended retail price, to a maximum of GBP5,000. The first "Plugged-In Places" have been announced in London, Milton Keynes and the North East, with 11,000 vehicle recharging points to be installed in the three centres during the next three years. A number of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are expected to be available in the U.K. by 2011 and eligible for the grant. It will be distributed directly to consumers at the point of purchase and will be managed similarly to the "scrappage scheme," with cars discounted at the point of purchase and the subsidy claimed by the manufacturer, in order to provide a straightforward process for the consumer. The government is seeking state aid approval from the European Commission to operate the subsidy. The initiatives are part of a GBP450 million government strategy to support the creation of a flourishing early market for ultra-low-carbon vehicles.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) IBM announces traffic route research initiative
IBM has announced a new research initiative to build personalized travel routes for commuters to avoid traffic gridlock. The company announced the initiative at a "smart transportation" event in Washington. IBM researchers are using advanced analytics to develop adaptive traffic systems that will intuitively learn traveller patterns and behaviour, providing more dynamic travel safety and route information to travellers than is available today. The new models will predict the outcomes of varying transportation routes to provide a personalized recommendation to get commuters where they need to go in the fastest time. The project intends to provide information that goes well beyond traditional traffic reports, after-the-fact devices that only indicate when drivers are already in traffic jams, or Web-based applications that give estimated travel time in traffic. The models will include such factors as traffic collisions, the commuter's location, current and planned road construction, most-travelled days of the week, expected work start times, local events that may affect traffic, alternate options such as rail or ferries, parking availability, and weather.   [more]   [top of page]

YAHOO NEWS (PAKISTAN) Baby born in traffic jam as leader drives by
A Pakistani woman gave birth to a baby girl in an auto-rickshaw stuck in a traffic jam when police closed roads to let President Asif Ali Zardari's motorcade drive by. The woman was being driven to hospital in the city of Quetta on Thursday evening when police blocked roads for Zardari and his convoy to pass. "We pleaded with the policemen as it was an emergency but they refused citing orders that no one should be allowed to move until the president passed," the woman's bother, Mohammad Zafar, told reporters.   [more]   [top of page]

February 21, 2010

Today in automotive history: on this day in 1948 six days after its first race was held, NASCAR was officially incorporated as the National Association for Stock Car Racing, with race promoter Bill France as president. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) E-mails show NHTSA investigating Toyota issues in '04
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was already investigating sudden unintended acceleration claims in 2004, when insurer State Farm notified the government of a spike in complaints. The Detroit News obtained on Saturday a series of e-mails between State Farm and NHTSA officials in 2004 that show the government had already been probing the issue The e-mails show NHTSA was appreciative of the "timely" submissions by the insurer. The records also show that NHTSA continued to working with State Farm in 2009 as it further probed the issue of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Study: Toyota's loss is Honda's gain
Honda Motor Co. appears to be the biggest beneficiary of a steep drop in sales this month of Toyota Motor Corp. vehicles, according to a study by auto research firm TrueCar.com. Toyota's retail market share has slumped more than five points to 12.1 percent in mid-February from 17.5 percent on Jan. 21, when the Japanese automaker issued its second big U.S. recall. Toyota has recalled more than 6 million vehicles in the United States since November, mostly for acceleration-related issues. Honda's U.S. market share increased 1.8 points to 13 percent during that period, and Ford Motor Co. recorded the second-highest gain of 1.1 points to 11.7 percent.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyoda will appear before Congress
Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda will testify before Congress next week -- a dramatic move as the company seeks to stem the fallout from a series of massive recalls. Toyoda, 53, the grandson of the company's founder, has come under increasing pressure to come to Washington to address the cascading fallout from its handling of safety issues. Toyoda's acceptance came hours after the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee formally invited him to testify Wednesday. Toyoda will be joined at the witness table by the company's top North American official, Yoshimi Inaba.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Sneak Peek: 2011 Dodge Charger SRT8
In a stroke of luck that surprised even us, we've snagged close-up photos of Dodge's all-new 2011 Charger. What's more, looking at the tire, wheel and brake packages, we're pretty sure this is the hot rod SRT8 variant. Referred to internally as "LD," the 2011 Charger will be riding on a moderately updated version of the "LX" chassis. It will be packing Dodge's new Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6 along with the 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 and the monster 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 for the SRT8 model. The interior is retro and very impressive, according to one source who was shown a styling buck.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Retire Your Ride announces new campaign
The Retire Your Ride program, which encourages Canadians to scrap older vehicles in return for incentives, will be advertised through a new campaign on transit systems in at least 65 communities across the country. "Trade in your old car and choose public transit, the eco-friendly alternative," said Charles Stolte, chairman of the Canadian Urban Transit Association (CUTA). "Our new awareness campaign links clean air, public transit and Canada's vehicle scrappage program, Retire Your Ride." The program offers incentive rewards to Canadians who retire their 1995 or older model vehicles, which are 19 times more polluting than 2004 and newer model years. The choice and value of the rewards varies by province, starting at $300 cash. To see incentives in your area, visit RetireYourRide.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Italian electric car is coming to America
The all-electric Tazzari Zero is coming to America, following an announcement by EVCARCO, a U.S. automotive retail group dedicated to environmentally-friendly vehicles. The Zero has already created a buzz throughout Europe, the company said. It uses high-output lithium-ion batteries and an active equalization system.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Amsterdam offers grants for electric vehicles
Amsterdam has initiated a new Electric Transport Project subsidy, which will offer companies and entrepreneurs grants to help them replace their existing gasoline vehicles with pure electric vehicles. A project fund of 3 million Euros is available, with individual grants covering up to 50 per cent of the additional cost of buying electric vehicles. The grants range from up to 15,000 Euros to buy a single vehicle, to up to 250,000 Euros to buy fleets of 20 or more vehicles.   [more]   [top of page]

YAHOO NEWS (PA., USA) Police: Man rides on car hood in his underwear
Police expect to file charges against a 57-year-old man who was wearing only underwear in frigid temperatures when he hopped on the hood of his girlfriend's moving car during an argument. Police have yet to identify the man or his 28-year-old girlfriend, saying they'll release the names once they sort out what charges to file. Police were called about 3:20 a.m. Thursday by someone reporting a man riding on the hood of a car, screaming at the woman driving it. The woman had a bruise under her left eye and police said they found drug paraphernalia in the car. Uniontown is about 40 miles south of Pittsburgh. The region has been hit by heavy snows and overnight temperatures were in the teens on Thursday.   [more]   [top of page]

February 14, 2010

Today in automotive history: on this day in 1929 the mob hit known as the St. Valentine's Day Massacre took place in Chicago. In order to perpetrate the hit, members of Al Capone's gang reportedly fitted a Cadillac touring sedan to the speculations of the Chicago Police Department. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota recalls another 8,000 vehicles
Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling 8,000 vehicles over concerns that a faulty propeller shaft may have cracks as the carmaker told Congress it will take another look at customer complaints and consider adding new safety measures. The recall includes about 8,000 2010 four-wheel-drive Toyota Tacoma pickups produced between mid-December and early this month, said Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons. Some models have a crack in the front propeller shaft that could cause the pickups to lose control. Ford Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. also use the part made by Toledo-based supplier Dana Corp., the supplier said.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota retains firm to analyze its drive-by-wire system
Toyota Motor Corp. said Saturday that it had retained Exponent, a respected engineering consulting firm, to conduct a comprehensive analysis of its vehicles equipped with electronic throttle control in connection with concerns about potential unintended acceleration. Toyota said it delivered an interim report from Exponent dated Feb. 4 to members of Congress that stated that the firm was unable to induce incidents of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles that it tested. Toyota's announcement comes amid persistent speculation that its electronic throttle control, also known as drive-by-wire, might be a cause of unintended acceleration.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Indiana-made Humvee could soon be an Army relic
The Army's long relationship with the hulking Humvee could be coming to an end as it seeks better ways to protect soldiers from roadside bombs in war zones. The Army's proposed budget doesn't include money for the all-terrain Humvees produced by Mishawaka, Ind.-based AM General. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Jimmie Cummings says the 2,620 vehicles the Army already has ordered will be the last it buys.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Nissan begins U.S. Leaf sales process
Nissan has begun the sales process for the all-electric 2010 Leaf in the U.S., following a three-month tour with 63 stops in 24 cities to give interested drivers an opportunity to learn more about the vehicle. The Leaf will be available to consumers via lease or sale, in a single transaction that includes the battery. First priority for reservations will go to those who registered online at Nissan's Web site; the company said close to 50,000 people have already registered.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Porsche to debut hybrid 911 race car in Geneva
Porsche will debut its new hybrid technology in a GT race car when it unveils the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The car's hybrid technology has been developed specifically for racing, and differs significantly from conventional hybrid systems. In the GT3 R Hybrid, an electrically-powered front axle with two electric motors supplements the 480-horsepower 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine at the rear. Instead of the batteries found in a typical hybrid road car, the electrical flywheel power generator fitted in the interior next to the driver delivers energy to the electric motors.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Toyota announces new recall, expands existing one
Toyota Canada has announced a voluntary safety recall on certain 2010 Tacoma pickup trucks, and has expanded its floor mat recall to include certain Corolla, Matrix and Highlander vehicles. The voluntary safety recall is for certain 2010 Tacoma four-wheel drive trucks to inspect the front drive shaft on a small production run. The front shaft in these vehicles may include a component that contains cracks that developed during the manufacturing process. As the vehicles are used, the cracks may eventually lead to separation of the drive shaft at the joint portion.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Prioritize preventing impaired re-offenders: MADD Canada
Preventing chronic impaired driving re-offenders should be a priority, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Canada, which recommends early identification and intervention to prevent repeat offenders, and minimum sentencing for those who continue to drive while impaired. "Long-term incarceration may be the only alternative for people who continue to drive impaired, despite having many previous convictions and many opportunities to adjust their behaviour," said MADD Canada national president Margaret Miller. "But often, this only occurs after someone has been injured or killed. MADD Canada would like to see earlier identification of those drivers who have the potential to become chronic re-offenders, and intervention measures that will help them change their dangerous behaviour."   [more]   [top of page]

YAHOO NEWS (PENN, USA) Police: Woman used hit-and-run excuse when tardy
State police said a western Pennsylvania woman faked a report that she was a hit-and-run victim because she was afraid she'd get fired for being late to work. Courtni Roberts, 20, faces a preliminary hearing March 31 on a charge of making false reports to police on Feb. 5. State police said Roberts told a trooper that a car hit her left leg just above the knee and that the driver didn't stop to help. The trooper learned that the injury Roberts claimed to have wasn't consistent with being hit by a car so he questioned her again. That's when, police said, Roberts admitted making up the story because she was late for work. The Associated Press could not locate a listed phone for Roberts who was also charged with disorderly conduct.   [more]   [top of page]

February 6, 2010

Today in automotive history: on this day in 1985 Walter L. Jacobs, founder of the first car rental company, died. Although he was "not exactly" the founder of the Hertz Corporation, Jacobs' car rental business became the Hertz Corporation after it was purchased by John Hertz in 1923. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota head issues apology
Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda, in his first public appearance since a safety crisis engulfed the Japanese automaker, apologized Friday for the recalls. Bowing deeply at a news conference in Nagoya, Toyoda, the grandson of the automaker's founder, said he deeply regretted the worry and inconvenience caused by recent big recalls. The automaker is struggling with the biggest problem in its recent history after recalling some 9 million cars and trucks around the world to fix faulty pedals and address other acceleration-related issues. "We, the ones supposed to relay to people the attractiveness of automobiles, have instead imparted on them worry. I regret this more than anything," Toyoda said.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Auto suppliers see better times ahead
Continued positive earnings and outlooks from major suppliers reflect a growing sense the worst is behind the auto industry, analysts said Friday. "I'm very positive about the industry going forward," said Jim Gillette, supplier analyst with CSM Worldwide in Grand Rapids. "The industry has risen from the depths of despair from even six months ago." American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc. reported fourth-quarter earnings of $48.6 million compared with a $112.1 million loss a year ago. Net loss for the year was $253.1 million, far less than 2008's net loss of $1.2 billion. "We expect to be solidly profitable in 2010," said Chief Financial Officer Mike Simonte. The Detroit supplier expects 2010 revenue to increase as much as 40 percent to $1.9 billion to $2.1 billion.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota preparing to announce Prius fix
Toyota Motor Corp. notified its more than 1,200 U.S. dealers that it is working on a solution to complaints of unresponsive brakes in its third-generation Prius hybrids and will disclose a remedy next week. Bob Carter, general manager of Toyota-brand sales in the United States, told dealers in an e-mail that the company would disclose details early next week, the company confirmed Saturday. "We want to assure our dealers that we are moving rapidly to provide a solution for your existing customers. We will share more specific details on this solution early next week," Carter wrote, according to an e-mail reviewed by The Detroit News. "Whether this would be a service bulletin, service campaign or recall hasn't been determined." Safety regulators in the U.S. and Japan have asked Toyota about the Prius brakes after receiving complaints, including at least 124 in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the problem is suspected in four crashes and two minor injuries.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Subaru Legacy Limited's transmission is a peek at future
More cars in the future will resemble the 2010 Subaru Legacy Limited, whether we like it or not. While this all-wheel drive sedan is fun, capable and good looking, it's also got a CVT connected to its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This continuously variable transmission is going to take some getting used to. But there's no doubting that they're going to be inside future cars because they undeniably provide better gas mileage. The base Legacy with a 6-speed manual transmission and the same engine gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. But the Limited, which offers the CVT as standard, gets 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway -- those are certainly noticeable differences.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Brake glitch may give Fusion, Milan drivers a scare
Consumer Reports has discovered an issue with some 2010 Ford Fusion hybrids and Mercury Milan hybrids that could lead drivers to mistakenly believe that their brakes have failed, when they have not. No accidents have been attributed and no recall is planned, but Ford will offer owners a free software update that addresses the glitch. "We have received reports that some drivers have experienced a different brake feel when the hybrid's regenerative brakes switch to conventional hydraulic braking. While the vehicles maintain full braking capability, customers may initially perceive the condition as loss of brakes," Ford said in a statement Thursday. Consumer Reports learned about the issue when one of its engineers slowed for a stop outside the magazine's test facility in East Haddam, Conn. He reported that the brake pedal went down farther than normal, and with little effect. The engineer ran the stop sign and coasted to a stop. He noticed that the brake system warning light was illuminated and turned the car off. When he turned it back on, everything worked fine.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) U.S. opens investigation into Prius brakes
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will open a formal investigation into allegations of momentary loss of braking capability on uneven road surfaces, potholes or bumps in the 2010 Toyota Prius. The Office of Defects Investigation said it has received 124 reports from consumers, including four reports alleging that crashes occurred. Investigators have spoken with consumers and conducted pre-investigatory field work. "Safety is our top priority," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "That is why in recent weeks NHTSA has also issued a consumer advisory on the recall of several models of Toyota vehicles and the Pontiac Vibe involving pedal entrapment and sticky accelerator pedals. We will continue to monitor these issues closely."   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) B.C. company initiates EV charging network
British Columbia will become the first Canadian province to be fully linked with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with the first installation within thirty days and the province linked within a year, according to Greenscape Capital Group. Greenscape will implement the charging station network through its subsidiary Green.Switch Capital and a partnership with Garage Juice Bar, operating as The Juice Bar. The network will be privately financed and will link all of B.C. through the installation of EV charging stations on properties owned or operated by existing Greenscape energy retrofit clients and on other third-party locations. The Juice Bar is also negotiating agreements with several large U.S. municipalities to provide EV charging station networks. The company said the network will consist of single-stall EV plug-in kiosks, installable at parking garages and other strategic locations.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) "Powder Room" offers Canadian rest stop map
The Powder Room, a national education program for people with overactive bladder, offers a cross-Canada highway map of public restrooms, which now includes British Columbia's Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99). Canadians are encouraged to add and rate public restrooms across the country on the Cross-Canada Powder Room Map. Restrooms are rated by their accessibility to the highway, cleanliness and maintenance, line-ups, location and overall decor. The Sea-to-Sky Highway map, designed for those travelling to Vancouver this month for the Olympic and Paralymic Games, includes locations in Horseshoe Bay, Lions Bay, Britannia Beach, Shannon Falls, Squamish, Garibaldi Highlands and Whistler.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Nissan scores lone "Good" rating in new roof tests
The Nissan Frontier had the strongest roof, while the Chevrolet Colorado rated the weakest, in the first-ever rollover protection tests done by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for small pickup trucks. The Frontier, which is also sold as the Suzuki Equator, was the only pickup in the group of five vehicles to earn the highest rating of "Good." The Ford Ranger was rated "Acceptable," while the Dodge Dakota, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon earned the second-lowest rating of "Marginal." The rating system is based on IIHS research showing that occupants in rollover crashes benefit from stronger roofs. Vehicles rated "Good" must have roofs that are more than twice as strong as the minimum required under the new current federal safety standard.   [more]   [top of page]

YAHOO NEWS (SOUTH AFRICA) Drunk driver had 49 children in 16-seat taxi
A South African minibus taxi driver five times over the legal blood alcohol limit at breakfast time was arrested on Wednesday for transporting 49 children in a 16-seat vehicle. The 26-year-old man was pulled over at a routine check-point in KwaZulu-Natal province, where traffic officials found the children, aged between three and 13, crammed on top of each other for the morning ride to school. "The man is now behind bars," Colin Govender of the Road Traffic Inspectorate said. The driver is due to appear in court on Thursday. With the soccer World Cup just months away, police are cracking down on rogue taxi operators in the hope that foreign visitors will use minibuses to get around the country. Millions of mostly black South Africans use minibus taxis to travel between townships and cities, although many of the vehicles are barely roadworthy and fatal accidents are common.   [more]   [top of page]

January 31, 2010

Today in automotive history: on this day in 1960 in a special racing series for small-bodied cars at the Daytona International Speedway, the Valiant captured the top seven positions in the 10-lap race. The Valiant was introduced by Chrysler in 1959 (the 1960 models) as a separate make. Read more about this day in history at The History Channel.

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota finds fix for gas pedals; will alert customers next week
Toyota Motor Corp. plans to start notifying customers next week about how it will repair 2.3 million vehicles that it recalled last week over concerns of sticking pedals. A Toyota official confirmed today that it plans to use a selective spacer to insert into the pedal assembly. Toyota's pedal supplier, CTS Corp., is also shipping newly designed pedals. But Toyota hasn't laid out details of its plans, including which vehicles will get the replacement pedals and which will get the "field fix." Toyota's president and CEO Akio Toyoda apologized today in his first public comments.    [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Chrysler has ambitions for Jeep
The Jeep brand has outlived every company that has owned it, and with every change in control there has been a new strategy to capitalize on the brand. Chrysler Group LLC, following bankruptcy and an alliance with Fiat SpA, is no exception. Image-wise, Jeep is the strongest of Chrysler's four brands and needs the least fixing. Product-wise, the automaker wants to replace everything but the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee with vehicles engineered by Fiat to take advantage of cost savings through economies of scale. Chrysler's new management is tinkering with what constitutes a Jeep as it seeks to leverage Fiat's strength in small cars and fuel-efficient engines and tap into the Italian automaker's strong network of dealers in Europe and Latin America.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota faces scrutiny on recall handling
Toyota Motor Corp. expects to announce a plan soon to fix faulty gas pedals, but the consequences of its big lapse in safety are likely to linger for months, even years. The damage from two large recalls spread Friday as politicians and analysts questioned how long the automaker knew there was a problem, and how Toyota and U.S. safety regulators responded to complaints that drivers couldn't stop their vehicles. On Friday, a second congressional committee said it would review Toyota's recalls and unintended acceleration issues. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will hold a hearing on Feb. 4 to probe the government's response to reports that led to Toyota's recall last week of 2.3 million vehicles.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Elantra Touring modestly fills jack-of-all-trades role
Someday in the not so distant future, people will own more cars, not fewer. There will be one they drive only on the weekends -- the family and boat in tow. Then there will be a small two-seater that they'll putt along to work in every day -- at least those who still go to an office instead of telecommuting. There may be other specialized family vehicles that promote efficiency and have specific purposes -- school drop-offs, grocery shopping and Friday-night-out vehicles. Until then, something like the 2010 Hyundai Elantra Touring may have to do.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Toyota to recall 8 models, up to 1.8M vehicles in Europe
Toyota Motor Corp. said it may recall as many as 1.8 million vehicles in Europe, as the trouble with the automaker's gas pedals spread beyond North America. Brussels-based Toyota Motor Europe said it would recall eight models, including the Corolla and RAV4, to fix a pedal that may stick or spring back slowly. "We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it," Tadashi Arashima, president of Toyota Motor Europe, said in a statement. "We would also like to reassure customers: The potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances." Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles last week in the United States and Canada. It has stopped sales and production of the eight models involved in the recall. It will also recall around 75,000 RAV4 compact SUVs in China. In Europe, the models affected are: 2005-09 Aygo, 2008-09 iQ, 2005-09 Yaris, 2006-10 Auris, 2006-09 Corolla, 20-10 Verso, 2008-09 Avensis and 2005-09 RAV4.   [more]   [top of page]

DETROIT NEWS (MICHIGAN, USA) Pedal complaints reach recalled Vibes
General Motors Co. said Friday it recently has received complaints of sticky accelerator pedals from recalled Pontiac Vibe models. But the Detroit automaker reiterated that the 2009-10 Vibe models are "safe to drive." GM said no injuries have been reported in any of the complaints. GM hadn't received any complaints prior to the recall of 2.3 million vehicles on Jan. 21 by Toyota Motor Corp. that included 99,000 Pontiac Vibe models. The Vibe was built through August 2009 at the New United Motor Manufacturing plant in Fremont, Calif., which was a joint venture of GM and Toyota. That plant is set to close at the end of March.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Toyota begins shipping new pedals in U.S.
Toyota U.S.A. has announced that its pedal supplier is starting to ship newly-designed pedals to dealers to meet the most immediate needs in the wake of a recall for possible sticking accelerator pedals. The company said that one of the main reasons it has stopped production of new vehicles is to make more of the pedals available to dealers right away. In a statement, the company said, "But at the same time, we are continuing to test effective pedal modifications for existing vehicles on the road that will be available to our customers quickly. We expect to announce a comprehensive remedy program for all affected customers and new vehicles soon."   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) B.C.'s cellphone "grace period" ends
A "grace period" for British Columbia drivers caught talking on a hand-held phone or electronic device ends Monday, February 1, 2010, with drivers facing a $167 fine for talking on a cell phone, and an additional three penalty points for texting or e-mailing. "Police have been stopping drivers throughout January to give them warnings about talking on a cellphone, and people seem to be getting the message and changing their behaviour," said Solicitor General Kash Heed. "But the grace period will soon be over, and drivers who don't keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road will now pay the price."   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Three models improve in IIHS safety ratings
New designs have helped the 2010 Ford Mustang convertible, Acura MDX and Toyota Tundra to improve their ratings in crash tests performed by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Ford's restyled Mustang convertible has earned a "good" rating for occupant protection in offset frontal crashes and side impacts. When the IIHS initially tested the 2010 model, it received a "poor" frontal rating. This improved to "good" in a followup test after Ford modified the front structure and doors of models made after December 2009. The Acura MDX earned a "good" rating for occupant protection in new side tests after Acura modified the side airbags in current models.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) "Female Friendly" car program comes to Canada
AskPatty.com, an online resource for women, is introducing its Certified Female Friendly program for dealerships, collision centres, quick-lube locations, service and repair centres, and tire dealers in Canada. The program provides online interactive training and marketing specifically to women. The California-based company has launched its first Canadian regional office in Mississauga, Ontario, headed by Patricia Muir as Canadian Regional Manager. "In Canada, market researcher Maritz Canada reports that women influence some 66 per cent of all buying decisions, including vehicle purchases," said Jody DeVere, founder and CEO of AskPatty.com. "In effect, they have become nearly every family's chief purchasing officer. Automotive retailers that do not change their approach to communicating more effectively with women will get left behind and leave themselves open to be overtaken by their competitors."   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Cellphone bans don't prevent crashes: IIHS
Bans on the use of hand-held cell phones while driving are not reducing the number of crashes, according to a new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), an affiliate of the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Comparing insurance claims for crash damage in four U.S. jurisdictions before and after such bans, the researchers found steady claim rates compared with nearby jurisdictions without such bans.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Michelin unveils electric vehicle tire prototype
Michelin has unveiled a new prototype tire designed specifically for battery-powered electric vehicles, providing automakers with benefits including increased range or the ability to reduce the battery size to optimize interior space. The company said its electric vehicle (EV) prototype achieves high performance levels of energy efficiency, maximum grip and long wear life, plus a quiet ride that is ideally suited to a power source that is relatively noise-free. The design includes new silica compounds, a new tire profile designed specifically for urban use, and a specific tread design optimizing the surface of rubber in contact with the road.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Consumer Reports suspends Toyota's status
Consumer Reports has temporarily suspended its "recommended" status for eight Toyota models and the Pontiac Vibe until a fix for the accelerator pedal recall is available to consumers. The magazine is also advising used car buyers to avoid purchasing any of the affected vehicles until the issue is resolved. "Although incidents of sudden acceleration are rare, we are taking this action because the vehicles have been identified as potentially unsafe without a fix yet being available to consumers, and in general our position is that you shouldn't compromise on safety," said Jim Guest, president of Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Size and weight will reduce emissions: Oxford University
A new study by Oxford University in England says the best way to reduce emissions in the short term is by a "drastic downscaling of both size and weight" of conventional gasoline and diesel cars, and suggests not relying on manufacturers producing hydrogen or battery-powered vehicles in the next decade. The Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment released the report, Future of Mobility Roadmap, which assesses the potential for low-carbon transport on land, by air and sea. It found that electric and hydrogen vehicles are likely to remain niche products for many years, due to limited battery life, and the high cost of platinum which is needed for the catalysts in hydrogen-fuelled cars.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) California begins plug-in hybrid trial
The California Department of General Services (DGS), with funding from the California Energy Commission (CEC), is launching a two-year plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) demonstration project. Deploying 50 converted Toyota Priuses and capturing critical performance data, California's DGS will analyze potential efficiencies gained through the use of electric vehicles and evaluate their potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Gaining a deeper understanding of PHEV performance across a wide range of terrain, climate and drivers is of particular interest. The Priuses will be deployed throughout California, from Sacramento to San Diego, as state fleet vehicles.   [more]   [top of page]

CANADIAN DRIVER (ONTARIO, CANADA) Nissan receives US$1.4 billion loan to produce electric car
U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu announced today that the Department of Energy has closed a US$1.4 billion loan agreement with Nissan North America, Inc. The loan will support the modification of Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee manufacturing plant to produce the Nissan Leaf, a zero-emission, all-electric vehicle, and the lithium-ion battery packs to power them. The loan, which originated through the Department's loan guarantee program office, was issued as part of the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan Program, a US$25 billion program authorized by Congress as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. The program is designed to accelerate the development of vehicles and technologies that increase U.S. energy independence, create cleaner means of transportation and stimulate the American economy. The loan was finalized after a rigorous financial and technical qualification process.   [more]   [top of page]

YAHOO NEWS (MASSACHUSETTS, USA) Truck driver chokes on chili and crashes into home
Police said a Massachusetts lumber truck crashed into a home after the driver was knocked unconscious by a small chili from Wendy's. Lowell police said Eric Gremm reported that he choked on the chili when the truck hit a bump, causing him to pass out as the flatbed truck veered off the road and slammed into the home. The man, 59, said emergency workers at the scene told him that he had passed out, but he could not remember losing consciousness. Police said the truck hit the foundation of the home, and authorities were worried that the home might collapse when the truck was pulled out. Gremm was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Police said he could be cited for eating while driving.   [more]   [top of page]

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