Nissan, Honda, referring to a slew of vehicles

Michael strong, the Detroit Bureau - 2 days

Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co. announced recalls for the second time this month, as quality problems continue to some Japanese automakers plagues. Nissan is more than 123.300 2013 Recalling altimas, while Honda doing the same with 2012 and 2013 fit sport. Is for Honda it the fourth recall this year.

This latest recall is the second time this month Nissan and callbacks have issued Honda, despite the previous announcement because of a problem in connection with the supplier. Toyota and Mazda joined the two makers produced 3.4 million vehicles for faulty airbag systems by TAKATA Corp., because she might catch fire or accidentally blow up injured passengers remember.

Due to a design in the propellant for the inflator, it can incorrectly blow airbag for the front passenger seat. The systems were manufactured at Takatas factory in Mexico.

Now fix Nissan altimas a problem with the air pressure on the vehicle spare wheel see note on. The tires can--or been under inflated and as a result, the tyres without warning could scheitern. Dealers will check the tyres and the required air pressure adjustment.

The manufacturer makes the equipment, since then replaced at its assembly plant in Canton, Miss. for the problem was responsible. Owners will be contacted in May 3 or customer contact Nissan at 800-647-726.

More than 43,700 Honda fit sport have recalled due to problems with the vehicle's electronic stability control (ESC). The company said excessive greed "may" allow the units to the affected vehicles rates at high steering angle with certain tires, which can increase the risk of a crash.

Honda dealer handles the software update and make the fixes may begin. Owners may contact Honda at 800-999-1009.

In March, Honda due to potential brake problems reminded world's 250,000 vehicles. More than 180,000 of the involved vehicles this recall were sold Honda and its Acura luxury arm in the United States through the flagship.

In January ordered the Japanese manufacturer of the recall of 748.000 pilot crossover and Odyssey minivans not properly deploy due to missing rivets, the airbags could cause in an accident. This figure covers the U.S. market with an another 29,000 vehicles recalled in Canada.

Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau

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Honda recalls that more than 200,000 vehicles for shift problem locking

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau - 2 days

Already hammered by a series of recalls, so far more than 1 million have involved vehicles since the beginning of the year, Honda added another 200,000 sedans, crossovers and minivans to the list of the latest recall, the problems with the manufacturer-shift interlock system.

The new recall comes as a particular embarrassment of the manufacturer to put Luxury Division, implications for the recently launched Acura RDX, which was intended, a high-tech-Halo around the brand.

About 17,500 of the 2013 sedans from the recall, along with 128,000 Honda CR-VS and 59,000 Odyssey minivans, Acura RDX the latter two models fall while he sold model year 2012 and 2013.

Analysts say that the width of the callback reflects the fact that the automakers are trying today to share components from a variety of products to reduce costs. But the strategy can backfire, if a problem occurs.

In this case, Honda, means "be to comply with temperatures after the first use of the vehicle shift lever mechanism can move the vehicle transmission from the Park position to depressingly possible without the brake pedal."

The issue is particularly sensitive for Honda had to could the 870,000 "outliers" Odyssey vans December last year remember, because it is inadvertently moved without transfer to Park will be closed. 370,000 Honda cars recall previously involved in a similar two years.

This latest recall comes just a week after the Japanese manufacturer announced that it lead 470,000 older sedans, vans and crossovers due to faulty airbags, the misfire or even, remember that fire a vehicle would.

In this case was Honda of one of the four manufacturers with airbags, the supplied parts of the Japanese manufacturer TAKATA. Overall, more than 3 million vehicles are covered worldwide by this product recall.

Meanwhile, Honda announced another in January airbag-related could remember, do this one because of missing rivets, which provide safety equipment not properly in a crash.

Was known for its quality and reliability that Honda reminds one of the two top brands in terms of the number of vehicles in the US market for the last four years.

The Japanese manufacturer says it has received no complaints from customers, Word crashes or injuries related to the shift interlock problem. But the situation could cause problems if not corrected. It plans to inform the affected customers directly by mid-May and repairs free of charge.

Owners can find out even more, the manufacturer says, by "go online www.recalls.honda.com and www.recalls.acura.com or by calling (800) 999-1009 for Honda owners or (800) 382-2238 for Acura owner, option 4."

Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau

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Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Mazda recall 3.4 million vehicles

Michael strong, the Detroit Bureau - 2 days

Four Japanese automakers - Honda, Toyota, Nissan and Mazda - fire are recalled 3.4 million vehicles for faulty airbag systems, because she could catch or inflate accidentally injured passengers.

The danger of a global supply chain shows leave issues such as automakers are increasingly turning to a small number of suppliers for common or similar parts this product recall.

The recall is the largest ever for airbags made by TAKATA Corporation, the world's second largest supplier of air bags and seat belts. Due to a design in the propellant for the inflator, it can incorrectly blow airbag for the front passenger seat. As a result, the risk of fire from or passengers is injured. The faulty airbags were produced between 2000 and 2002 in TAKATA factory in Mexico.

The recall includes some of the top-selling Japanese cars, including Toyota Camry corolla, and Nissan Maxima and Honda Civic. All vehicles manufactured in or after the year 2000. In addition to Honda, Toyota, Mazda and Nissan, the supplier on the basis of Tokyo said it delivers even air bags and seat belts, the Daimler AG and Ford Motor Co. Some non-Japanese automakers also with faulty airbags were delivered during the decline of the auto manufacturer to call the company.

INFORMATION TO REMEMBER

The callback is called October Toyota in more than 7 million vehicles in the past the biggest. There is only one in a growing list of embarrassing recalls, the Japanese automaker, long known as a benchmark for quality, have spent in recent years. Toyota recalled in fact more individual than any manufacturer worldwide in three of the last four years issued.

Toyota is recalling approximately 1.73 million vehicles sold from November 2000 to March 2004 including 580,000 vehicles sold in North America and 490,000 vehicles in Europe. Honda is around 1.14 million vehicles to call back. Nissan about 480,000 vehicles will recall worldwide, although it said that the number of vehicles under recall could. Mazda said that it was reminded of 45,500 worldwide vehicles.

The Toyota models covered by the recall include corolla, Camry, tundra and Yaris. Nissan models include the Maxima and cube.

Honda has announced that more than 470,000 sedans, minivans and crossover utility vehicles, will remember it due to defective systems. The problem is associated to such incidents in the past in other vehicles, which had to remind the manufacturers for similar problems. In fact, Honda reminds 750,000 other vehicles due to airbag defects this year.

Airbag problems are a serious embarrassment for Honda - made more difficult the fact that the manufacturer is already on record last as one of the highest recall sums by any manufacturer in the United States in the years acted.

The latest US-Honda recall includes about 426,000 subcompact civic sold models in model years 2001 to 2003 43,000 CR-V crossover in 2002 and 2003, offered and another 92,000 of Odyssey minivans in 2002 model year.

"It is possible that the passenger who can front Airbag inflators in affected vehicles with too much pressure to guide that casing can provide to break inflator and could cause that the violation," the manufacturer confirms in a statement.

It added that it "deliberately" a crash, in which the front airbag deployed to enforce, but there were no injuries or deaths related to the issue in the models of the most recent recall was affected.

In January ordered the Japanese manufacturer of the recall of 748.000 pilot crossover and Odyssey minivans not properly deploy due to missing rivets, the airbags could cause in an accident. (This figure covered the U.S. market with an another 29,000 vehicles recalled in Canada.)

Has experienced reminded a number of earlier for other airbag problems, which have now added up to millions of vehicles.

Dealer handles the repairs without charge to owners.

Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau

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Chrysler recalls 120,000 vehicles for airbag problems

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau - 4 days

Chrysler is due to problems with the airbag warning lights that trigger without apparent reason, models recalled 120,000 of the full-size.

It is the latest in a series of industry-wide security-related issues in connection with faulty wiring, which increasingly reflect the complexity of today's high-tech cars. In some cases, the problems were a mere inconvenience, but in other cases, the problems can fire and intervention of braking systems, which leads without apparent reason, cause serious problems, such as vehicle trigger a potential loss of vehicle control.

The new Chrysler recall includes 119.500 his Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger sedans and Dodge Challenger muscle Coupe. Must trigger the airbag warning lights apparently baseless and does not mean that she are disabled.

The manufacturer said it was advised of the problem but customer complaints, adding that there were no reports of injuries or accidents. It raises faulty wiring for the problem.

The recall extends between April to December 2011, some marketed as 2011 models, vehicles produced during the model year 2012

Owner of the problem starting this month will be notified and repairs be carried out free of charge. The manufacturer plans to reimburse owner previously used for warning light repairs have paid.

The 2013 version of the Dodge Challenger was subject to a separate wiring-related recall that less than a month ago announced. In this case, improper wiring can overheat and cause a fire. The producers went so far as to warn owners park their vehicles until repairs could be made.

At about the same time Honda announced a short circuit in a control unit stability to cause as many as 250,000 different vehicles, their brakes too short that could run without the involvement of the driver.

Meanwhile, shorting Toyota, began the year with a reminder at 752.000 vehicles, this could be the airbags on some models Corolla and Matrrix as well as inadvertently providing pre-tensioners by front seat could cause. The Japanese giant recalled several million products through a faulty drivers side window switch which can cause fires, the smoke or even vehicle last year.

Industry analysts note that today's cars of high-tech systems, the rival - and exceed in the rule - the complexity of the modern consumer electronic devices become. Where problems with a defective circuit board on a Smartphone or an audio system is a disadvantage or lead the customer the device to a memory swap out the major risks in the face of defective vehicle control loops is reminiscent to a steady increase in the related.

Apparently in contrast, problems with conventional mechanical defects, such as E.g. engine, on the decline according to a study by J.D. power and associates.

Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau

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Hyundai, KIA, referring to 1.9 million vehicles

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau - 3 days

Korean Automakers Hyundai and Kia initiating one of its largest recalls – or more precisely said, today, 1.9 million vehicles announced three separate service actions sold in the U.S. market since end of 2006 include.

The majority of the involved vehicles were formerly reminds developed the same problem - electronic gremlins, a variety of systems, from affect stability control could brake lights, and even prevent the use of the stop button.

Now the small Japanese automaker Subaru is recalling 200,000 vehicles of its own due to brake line problems.

The major recalls of Hyundai and Kia present some serious headaches for the Korean manufacturer after repeated efforts to deal with electronic control questions. Much of the same technology under the skin of their cars work the two makers in the United States as separate companies but to share.

The biggest announcement, with 1.06 million Hyundai models follows an earlier 2009 recall and three separate service actions, the problems with taillight of assemblies. The 2007 20009 accent, 2007 to 2010 Elantra, 2010-2011 Genesis Coupe, 2007-2011 Santa Fe, 2011 Sonata, 2007 to 2009 Tucson and 2008 to 2009 Veracruz are insured.

According to Hyundai, the "condition could potentially intermittent push-button start feature, intermittent way to remove the vehicle gear from the Park position, lighting by" ESC "(Electronic Stability Control) indicator in the instrument cluster, intermittent interference with operation of the cruise control function or intermittent operation of the stop lamps."

Total 623.000 KIA models are affected by the same problem and are 2007 Sedona 2007-2010-Rondo 2011 Optima, 2007-2011 Sorento, 2010 and 2011 soul and the 2007 to 2010 Sportage.

A third goals remember Hyundai specifically potential airbag problems linked to 190,000 Elantra sedans sold model years 2011 to 2013-compact. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pressed the manufacturer to act after receiving complaints that even a support bracket in case of a crash can be moved, raises the side-impact airbags.

NHTSA was first notified of the problem if a passenger had serious injuries during a crash at her ear. Hyundai has found several vehicles, which apparently offered could experience the same type of problem, by installing a special auto-dimming mirror as an option in the US market.

Hyundai said that the problem can be easily fixed. "Industrial adhesive tape on the mounting bracket set curtain airbags prevent displacement mount coupled off during page."

Repairs for all new Hyundai and Kia are reminded owners free of charge made.

The three new recalls come only a few days after NHTSA announced that it would begin a formal investigation of reports of excessive corrosion, which may impact on the 400,000 older Hyundai Sonata models. The rust problem could lead to the failure of the rear suspension, the Agency noted.

Corrosion is made also responsible for the recall of 200,000 Subaru legacy and Outback models produced between December 2003 and April 2009 and sold in 20 cold weather States and the District of Columbia.

2005 To 2009 model years referred, could the legacy and Outback all-wheel drive vehicles break line occur cracks, the fluid leaks cause could be. That could in turn reduce brake functionality and cause a crash.

Subaru owners notify and repairs free of charge to undertake.

Copyright © 2009-2013, the Detroit Bureau

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Almost 300,000 Chrysler vehicles targeted by recall

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau - 3 days

A problem with a rear axle component, which could result in a loss of control forces Chrysler to a variety of vehicles including its full-size and mid-size pickups and several SUV models to remember.

All in all the service action fall 2009 to 2011 Dodge Dakota pickups and 2009 total 278.222 RAM 1500 pickups from 2009 to 2012 model year Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango SUVs.

In a separate announcement, Chrysler says it will recall 4,278 Dodge Viper sports car from the 2003 and 2004 model years. The result is a circuit board problem, that properly inflating airbag that could prevent the vehicle this service action. A similar problem already forced the recall of older Jeep Liberty and Grand Cherokee models.

The truck recall is the result of a missing adhesive patches that can to loosen the rear axle pinion. If the occurrence of the axis lock up "and a loss of vehicle control with little warning, increases the likelihood that a fall," warned the manufacturer emphasizes the problem is serious enough, it should not be ignored by owners.

Dealers make the appropriate repairs to two vehicles and affected owners will be communicated directly in the coming weeks. Customers can call 1-800-247-9753 Chrysler more information.

The memory of the RAM pickup is not about the new model, which late last year - made his debut, but it comes as a little disappointing for the manufacturer, which has tried, its reputation for quality and reliability to improve. Indeed, the RAM brand made the greatest profit of any brand in the latest J.D. power vehicle reliability survey, released earlier this week.

2013 Dodge Ram was North American truck of the year named during a ceremony at the Detroit Auto show last month. Motor trend truck of the year was also named.

Copyright 2013 the Detroit Bureau

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GMC pickups, SUVs top list of safest vehicles

Paul A. Eisenstein, NBC News contribution - 2 days

Once there was an old saying in the automotive industry, not "selling security." Do not attempt to convince today's drivers of it. Security has become in fact of one of the highest-ranked attributes for most car buyers if you are looking for a minivan or sports car.

So, a new study by Insure.com is expected to be more than a few surprises to deliver, if it comes, the list of the safest and least sure under 750 different vehicles now on the market. Some of the results like intuitive, especially to equate the size with safety. Pint-sized Fiat 500 is the least safe vehicle on the list, according to the study in cooperation with insurance Insure.com produced Institute for highway safety. On the other hand, the GMC Sierra 1500 was pickup the top model.

"If security is important, the smallest cars, you should avoid", said IIHS spokesman Russ Rader. "Weight counts. "Smaller, lighter cars are safer than before, but all things are equal, people riding larger, heavier vehicles more protection in crashes."

But there are also some surprises. While big GMC models four of the five "most secure" slots that became 4-door Porsche Cayenne ranked the second. On the other hand, that was car Mercedes-Benz car flagship, the premium CL 500 Coupe fifth on the list on the least-safe vehicles.

From the perspective of the brand General has good motor especially - as mentioned, which landing four of the top five slots get GMC brand. Together with Mercedes, Toyota, also in the bottom five landed, the Insure.com with saying little positive about the corolla model of R600 study. In other words, a bestseller does not guarantee always segment that purchasers will receive the best in terms of safety.

The study could produce a variety of methods for the determination of security some controversy as there. Take the Fiat 500, which has produced very good results in the IIHS crash tests using integrated security cage and airbags.

"But are the laws of physics getting in the game crashes," said Rader. "Weight counts. "Smaller, lighter cars are safer than before, but all things are equal, people riding larger, heavier vehicles more protection in crashes."

The Insure.com study drew injuries and medical payment records that suggest the researchers on an analysis of personal protection, provides an overview of how passengers, but as crash Dummies to make out in the real world.

Here are the best and worst of the group. Still more to learn as the rest of the current automotive line up fared, click here.

Five safest cars:

GMC Sierra 1500, full-sized pickup has physics on his behalf
Porsche Cayenne, four-door sports car scores well on security, also
GMC Yukon Denali, well contented SUV includes a variety of security features
GMC Sierra 2500HD SLE, a heavy version of the Sierra pickup
GMC terrain SLE1, 5-seater CUV results to the best.

Five at least safe vehicles:

Fiat 500, boldly styled Italian Coupe/Cabrio has numerous security issues
KIA Rio 5, sporty design overcome non-security
Toyota Corolla L, best selling compact to worst for security
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart, sportiest version of the Lancer Sedan
Disadvantages overcome not safety Mercedes-Benz CL600, sleek design.

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Honda recalls 750,000 vehicles for airbag defects

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau

After having the second-highest number of callbacks for all manufacturers in the US market, Honda that it almost three-quarters of the 1 million vehicles will remember exit to a difficult start for 2013, this time announcing, because missing rivets not correctly provide their driving side airbags in the event of a crash could fall.

The latest safety issue is 748.000 of the manufacturer's popular pilot crossover Odyssey minivan models. A further 29,000 vehicles in Canada distributed are also discussed.

The latest recall covers Honda Pilot models during the 2009 to 2013 model years and Odyssey minivans from 2011 to 2013?? customers will be prompted the vehicles to their dealers for the inspection of the airbag driver side and, if necessary, for Reparaturen.Es is the latest in a series of problems that had Honda airbags now resulted in the recall of several million vehicles in the last few years. Include a problem in over-aggressively, airbags could inflate shrapnel into the passenger cabin fire caused.

According to Honda "driver-side airbags in these vehicles may be without some of the rivets, the plastic cover of the airbags protect the assembled. If the studs are not present, which can provide airbag not properly, increase the risk of injury in a crash. No crashes or injuries reported in connection with this issue."

The manufacturer says that no crashes or injuries have been reported due to the problem.

Will owners of mid-February, notify the company by dialing owner while 800-999-1009 and select option 4 or www.recalls.honda.com to contact.

Honda has problems that the manufacturer with more vehicles recalled led repairs than any other manufacturer for security in 2011 compared to an ongoing series of topics, including airbag and vehicle fire. Last year, it came in the second, with 3.9 million vehicles safety campaigns, behind only Toyota, which even involved recalled 5.3 million cars, trucks and crossovers.

The automotive industry suffered a total an increase of recalls last year with a total of 16.2 million vehicles, 4.5% after a preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Toyota and Honda, stamps have usually identified with high quality and reliability, in the callback list for the past four years led.

Copyright © 2009-2012, the Detroit Bureau

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Subaru recalls 634,000 vehicles for lighting problem

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau
The new year has got off a bad start - for Subaru, anyway. The manufacturer is forced to recall almost 634,000 sedans, wagons and crossovers due to an electrical problem, a vehicle can cause a fire.

More specifically, Subaru says, owner of 633.842 relatively late model vehicles informs them that they are subject to a recall, although only about 54,000 of these Subaru must undergo products actually repairs.

Subaru is just the latest in a number of manufacturers, including Toyota, Ford and General Motors, which have had to recall millions of vehicles over the last 12 months due to defects that can cause fires. In this case, the problem lies in a faulty puddle lamp where wiring, short could, if exposed to moisture after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"There have been no cases of injury or accidents," loud Subaru spokesman Mike McHale, although the manufacturer where the short occurred Word retains "less than 10" requests, resulting in smoke. So far, no vehicle has actually caught fire.

Several similar electrical short questions have plagued Japanese manufacturer, in recent months, in particular faulty drivers door window switch, to have led to a series of product recalls at Toyota. In October the producer 7,43 million vehicles with this switch - around one third - who sold the largest recall in the history of Toyota announced a recall notice thereof in the United States. Motor vehicles were also a small number of General same switch used and by a previous recall.

In the case of the Subaru, the latest customer service campaign covers 633.842 vehicles. In fact, the manufacturer believes that only 53.999 which actually have wiring the puddle lamp, but it was not clearly identify which vehicles are because the lamps were installed by dealer and no accurate and complete records exist. As a result, Subaru contact owners, all 2009 to 2012 Forester and 2006 to 2012 Tribeca frequency switch and 2010 and 2011 legacy and Outback models, to them to see if they have the optional puddle lamps. Who will need repairs. These uncertain, can go to a dealer for inspection.

The puddle lamps are just the sideview mirrors and lights below, if the vehicles are unlocked. You can water or humidity leads to a short gain. Subaru adds an additional protection to prevent a fire if the wires out short.

It plans to formally next month to inform owners and make repairs free of charge.

While the final figures for the year 2012 not yet calculated been there is preliminary evidence that the industry can get close or 15.5 million vehicles affected by recalls in 2011 exceed, if non-matching remembers the 20.1 million in the year 2010.

While Detroit, Korean and European decision makers all essential service actions in the course of the year are confronted, seem Japanese makers have led the list with Toyota and Honda all but certain to top the chart in terms of the total number of vehicles in 2012 influenced.

Honda recalled nearly 3 million vehicles equipped with faulty transmissions, which can cause extra vehicles in the third quarter alone, including the most recent products; and the Toyota switch fire question covered approximately 2.5 million vehicles in the United States in October.

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Mercedes refers to 5,800 vehicles due to fire hazard

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau
Mercedes-Benz of the latest car manufacturer is forced a recall due to a possible risk of fire on nearly 6,000 of its luxury sedans, Coupes and crossovers become order.

A who has which has brand name car caught up was through fire problems-from leaky engines up to the window power switch, which could accidentally short circuit - in this year.

Mercedes is the latest participant in this select club, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ordering about 5,800 products of the German manufacturer - eight separate models - due to a faulty fuel filter flange covers.

According to regulators, a defect in the injection moulding process led to crack the flange and any spillage of gasoline can at the tank. In turn, this could cause a fire.

The models covered by the recall the C300, CL550, CL63 AMG, E350, GLK350, S400 are hybrid, S550 and S63 AMG.

The manufacturer plans to notify the owner and begin repairs next month - for free - after the dealers across the country have a sufficient supply of spare parts.

The Mercedes callback follows a number of other fire safety measures which have affected approximately 4 million vehicles in the US market in this year alone.

The largest of the recall affected was formerly in the autumn when Toyota recalled 2.5 million vehicles sold in the United States - and nearly 7.5 million worldwide - through a faulty window switch announced that can cause short circuits and fire.

Ford recently launched its latest models of fusion and escape due to a possible engine coolant leaks recalled. The fluid could come into contact with hot engine components and fire begin. It was the third in fire-related recall of escape in this year.

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Compact crossover vehicles of the hot new trends

Paul A. Eisenstein, the Detroit Bureau
Honda is planning the urban SUV concept next month Detroit Auto show, to reveal a crossover that is based on the small cars of the Japanese manufacturer's fit model.

The North American International Auto show, is as it's officially called downsizing crossover utility vehicles - including the long-rumored, Lincoln MKC, which together will be flooded if also trimmed some of their basic basics with the small Ford Escape for the luxury market.

Small cars in general are fast rise as fuel prices per nudge upwards. According to Ford CEO Mark fields, B - and C-segment models from 13 percent of the total U.S. market to 20 percent jump since 2005. And the trend is expected to be even faster.

This is nowhere more evident than in the compact and subcompact-crossover niche are expected. Manufacturers are always smaller transitions such as the BMW X 1, both in the mainstream and upscale market segments quickly add.

Honda is little details differently than the urban SUV describe as "global concept model combines a sporty and dynamic SUV profile with a spacious and functional interior."

But as is the case with the latest Honda show cars became the urban SUV is expected to be a thinly veiled take follow a series model. It will probably come on the market, soon after opening Honda fit will provide its new plant in Mexico, a facility, the North America and other markets with the conventional small cars.

Lincoln has some ambitious goals in mind, as well, for what is called the new MKC. This compact crossover will be one of the four new models which luxury brand, Ford Motor Co. is planning the introduction from now until 2014 - including also the new MKZ, a new version of the larger MKS and a complete replacement for the ageing full Navigator SUV Roll-Out.CUVs, in General were quickly on the rise in the U.S. market so to add a cast that contains already as the pilot and CR-V as well as the upscale brand could Acura RDX and MDX - go a long way in the direction of Honda help reach its North American sales increase by 20 per cent - to 2 million - 2016.

You expect the MKC share many of the same design details, debuted on the 2013 Lincoln MKZ, including the highly acclaimed new horizontal grille, that Lincoln design, the chef Max Wolff, compares the outstretched wings of an eagle.

By hit show rooms in 2014 the new MKC is expected with several different Powertrain options, including the Ford 2, 2.0-liter EcoBoost, verging but possibly also the smaller 1, 1.6-liter turbo offered EcoBoost.In this case, the MKC based which will focus and the new C-Max people mover on the same C segment platform such as the compact Ford Escape - also shared with Ford.

The new entry could be urban SUV for Honda for Lincoln even more important than the production. Struggling to cut back on luxury buyers get radar, 3% for the first eleven months of the year 2012, Lincoln sales have slipped even as the overall market U.S. car won around 15%.

Expect to achieve a number of other small crossover market in the coming months.

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Toyota gets world's 2.8 million vehicles

A month after the announcement, its largest single recall Toyota has revealed some new quality problems, the safety-related repairs to a further 2.8 million vehicles - including his high-profile Prius hybrid models make it force.

The news was another blow of the Japanese giant picture despite having the latest consumer reports automotive reliability investigation landed on the supply. He is also Toyota in a position where it can again compete Honda for the dubious distinction of having is reminded with Japanese rival most of the vehicles of all manufacturers in the United States this year.

The latest recall is wave the result of a water pump problem and a steering damaged. Problems with a wide range of Toyota products by using the components of the steering system can do this. The manufacturer often shares parts for numerous models to reduce costs - but the risks this approach the possibility of widespread create reminiscent, if there is a problem. Two problems on the same vehicle can be present in this case.

Shaft of the Steering defect to the callback by 1.51 million vehicles in Japan is involved in and sold an other vehicles in other parts of the world and among the most notable models affected Compact are the Corolla and Prius, the world's most popular hybrid. About 670,000 of these vehicles sold in the United States between 2000 and 2009 model years.

About 620,000 of these vehicles can be equipped with the faulty water pump. This list not only the Prius, but four hybrid models contains, Toyota is confirmed. Vehicles may be repaired both items were sold between 2001 and 2010 in Japan, and from 2003 to 2011 in the United States and other overseas markets.

Meanwhile, vehicles only on the defective water pump are a further 10,000 Toyota recalled.

The new recall comes as a significant setback for Toyota and for a variety of reasons.

Exactly one month ago, the manufacturer announced - what is the world's best-selling automaker - its largest recall on the way again. 7,43 Million vehicles were involved, more than one-third of it in the United States, also makes it the largest recall of the world over the last 16 years.

Just these two security involved with 3.2 million vehicles, Honda now as a manufacturer in the United States the smaller manufacturers of this unwanted distinction hunts the most recalled earned repair campaigns, Toyota last year but was Toyota were top of the list in 2010, mainly as a result of the millions of vehicles that scandal involved the company CEO Akio Toyoda in the so-called "unintended acceleration", bear witness in tears before the US Congress.

The grandson of the founder Toyota, promised Toyoda to intensify focus on quality, reliability and security of the company. And there are clear signs of improvement. It has achieved on a number of studies, including the annual survey of the reliability by consumer reports, which keeps the results of millions of readers of the influential magazine but also. Three brands of the manufacturer, Toyota, Scion and Lexus, crowned, in that order in the chart.

But CR officials pointed out that it is not remembered in its results, consider despite the potential impact on the quality or reliability.

What is potentially problematic about the latest recalls is the fact that it includes products which only sold the model year 2011, after President Toyoda its touted much to fix push began to Toyota quality problems.

Despite the potential tarnishing the image damage continue to collect Toyota safety, sale that ends with the maker, forecast that it will be near the milestone 10 million mark for the current fiscal year on March 31. The win led to a tripling in the last quarter.

But Toyota before other problems, notably a boycott in the booming Chinese market, that before recently Les of the manufacturer raised its forecast for the year slightly cut turnover.

(C) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2012.

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Car sales rise as buyers of age vehicles replace

By NBC News staff and wire reports
Updated 10: 13 pm EDT: Americans may be worried that the economy is not enough momentum to take, but they are not concerned enough to stop buy new more fuel-efficient cars and trucks to replace ageing vehicles.

Chrysler said on Tuesday that sales increased by 14 percent in August amid strong demand for its RAM pickup truck. It was 29 month as a result of the previous year on sales of Chrysler. Ford's U.S. August sales rose 13 percent to 197.249 vehicles.

And General Motors co jump 10 percent, as higher gasoline prices for sale of GM Cruze and other compact cars inspired announced. Average U.S. gasoline prices have risen about 21 cents per gallon in the last month.

"Higher gas prices in August leads to unusually strong compact car performance across the industry,", said Edmunds analyst Jessica Caldwell.

With 70 percent of the market said reporting so far on Tuesday, to show the US auto industry on the way, sales annually 14.50 million vehicles, j.p. Morgan. By Reuters respondents analysts forecast sales annual rate of 14.20 million cars.

The fact that consumers older cars and trucks replace helped US at a faster rate than the economy as a whole, win car sales in August, said Carsten cancer, head of communication for Volkswagen Group of America.

The US economy grew at a rate of 1.7 percent in the second quarter.

Volkswagen showed its best August US sales development since 1973 cancer said rising 62.5 percent to 41.011 vehicles

Rising gas prices were a factor in the choice of the consumer of vehicles in August, said Ken Czubay, Ford Vice President of U.S. marketing.

"As fuel prices rose again in August, we saw growing number of people in the direction of our fuel-saving vehicles, attracted", said Czubay.

Ford reports record sales for the escape crossover and fusion sedan, and said F-series pickup truck had its best sales month throughout the year. Ford Sales mark by 13.1%, while the Lincoln brand sales 1.7 per cent.

Ford also said that it is to increase production in the fourth quarter by 7 percent on expected higher demand.

Chrysler said that it sold more than 148.000 vehicles in August. It sold more than 25,000 RAM pickups, an increase of 19 percent compared to August of last year and its best for the vehicle in five years.

Auto sales, to offer the an early snapshot of consumer demand, have been one of the bright spots in the American economy, and car companies expect sales with a second-half partially by introducing a slate of new models inspired.

Industry say further also, that the average age of cars on the roads the U.S. - question after 11 years, all time highs - officials.

"While unemployment and consumer protection mood does not support data of US sales yet, we believe that these factors more than offset by solid financing environment, housing demand from the former new car buyers from 2004-08, improved data and high built-up trade-in which their vehicles have" Barclays analyst Brian Johnson in a research note said.

Johnson reiterated that he expects, that the sales takes in the full year to approx. 14.40 million vehicles as demand towards the end of the year ends.

US car sales fell 10.40 million cars in 2009 rose 11.60 million and 12.80 million of the next two years, respectively. The 10-year period car ended in US in the year 2007 average sales almost 17 million annually.

Executives at General Motors, and Ford Motor Co. have also said that housing pickup truck could spur sales improve.

But signs of a continuing economic recovery have mixed been.

Consumer spending in July appeared just increased the biggest increase in five months, and home prices in June for the fifth month. But consumer confidence fell this month to its lowest level in nine months as Americans were more pessimistic about economy and market prospects.

And the deterioration of the European car market has fears of infection in the US market.

Automakers also got creative in sales without recourse based consumer incentives, which have taken up broad-based Vice President Edmunds Jeremy Anwyl said.

"In June, GM was fleet buyers, the 35% who were helped by sales of its total" he said. "In the last month, we heard from BMW a-day demo sale dealer." "There was a flood of single incentive programs on the market, and I suspect that work referred to some manufacturers to help the market with subprime lenders, as well as to expand."

Anwyl, said that such offers not always the monthly incentive followed has rendered figures from research company, but they were nevertheless real cost the automaker.

A further factor new car demand support said the high price of used cars, analyst Alec Gutierrez senior Kelley Blue book. He said "Savvy consumers probably decide to lease an additional $20 or $30 per month to buy or a new car numbers, as a used vehicle with 20,000 miles or more satisfied".

The associated press and Reuters contributed to this report.

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Alternative-fuel vehicles gaining favor with motorists

By Paul A. Eisenstein, The Detroit Bureau
This year’s near-record run-up in fuel prices has clearly had an impact on the choices American motorists are making when it’s time to buy a new vehicle – in fact, three in four U.S. drivers now say they’re ready to consider an alternative-fuel vehicle, according to a new study.

While many motorists still aren’t ready to trade in their roomy SUVs for high-mileage subcompacts — at least if recent sales are considered — there’s little doubt that there are significant changes under way in the American car market, with fuel economy now a much more important factor than vehicle quality or safety, according to research by the nonprofit Consumer Reports.

“These results make it clear that high fuel prices are continuing to impact driver behavior and influencing future purchase considerations,” said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports deputy auto editor. “While quality, safety and value are still important, this may be foreshadowing a market shift by folks seeking relief at the pump.”

CR’s study reveals that 37 percent of motorists now put fuel economy as their top consideration while shopping for a new car. Quality, a perennial chart-topper, was listed by just 17 percent, with safety close behind at 16 percent. Other motorists said they put a priority on value, at 14 percent, and performance, at 6 percent.

Of those who listed fuel economy as their top consideration, nine in 10 said the primary goal was to reduce their fuel bills – but 62 percent cited the environmental benefits, with 56 percent mentioning a desire to reduce the consumption of foreign oil.

One of the more significant findings of the new study was the growing willingness of shoppers to consider alternative powertrain technologies, especially E85 ethanol and hybrid technologies. Young motorists were particularly open to these new options, though the figure was still 73 percent among all the buyers surveyed by Consumer Reports.

The new study suggests that the population strongly supports the Obama administration’s push for increased fuel economy, and the federal government is soon expected to lock in place a Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, mandate that will jump to 54.5 mpg by 2025.

A full 90 percent of those surveyed agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, "Auto manufacturers should offer a greater variety of cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles in the near future.”

Significantly, 81 percent also agreed that they are willing to pay more for a fuel-efficient vehicle if they could then recover the added cost through lower fuel bills. But whether they would actually follow that argument in practice is another matter entirely. In recent years, motorists have shown a tendency to shift to more fuel-efficient models, as well as hybrids and other alternative powertrains when fuel prices spike – then shift back to less efficient and more conventional technologies once fuel costs begin to settle back down again.

Whether that will happen again is unclear. Small car sales have risen sharply since December 2011, and now account for roughly a quarter of the American market. But SUV and crossover sales have remained surprisingly resilient. And full-size pickups have actually regained momentum this spring. That may reflect a rebound in the economy, however. And it’s significant to note that Ford has now sold more V-6-powered F-Series pickups over the last 12 months than those using traditional V-8s.

Meanwhile, even though sales of hybrids have increased sharply – the Toyota Prius, in particular, is setting new records – all battery-based vehicles combined are still accounting for barely 3 percent of the overall U.S. market. And demand for the Nissan Leaf battery-electric vehicle has slid sharply for several months.

Alternative powertrain technologies will face a significant test during the remainder of 2012 as manufacturers expand the range of offerings with vehicles like the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in and Toyota RAV4 EV and Tesla Model-S battery-electric vehicles.

One area of uncertainty is how much the spike in fuel prices has affected overall automotive demand. While analysts have warned that the increase could weaken the economy and hurt demand, quite the opposite has happened. New vehicle sales are surging. General Motors is one of several manufacturers to recently increase its forecast for 2012 to as much as 14.5 million vehicles – about 500,000 more than its earlier prediction.

At least some of those buyers may simply be trading in, hoping to get a more fuel-efficient vehicle. But trading in a relatively new model isn’t always a smart move, according to Consumer Reports’ Bartlett.

“When gas prices are high, it’s always tempting to rush to trade in for a more fuel-efficient car to save at the pump,” he cautioned. “But our research has shown that you’re often better off financially to stick it out with the vehicle you have if it’s less than three years old, because a new vehicle will cost you more in depreciation than you would save on gas.”

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Armored vehicles aren't just for aristocrats

NEW YORK — Would you bulletproof a Kia? If you live in Brazil, the answer could very well be yes - to guard against robbers at stop signs in Sao Paulo or traffic jams in Brasilia.

Armor plating isn't just for aristocrats anymore as the world's seventh-largest economy grapples with high rates of kidnapping, murder and robbery.

DuPont, widely known as a chemical maker, introduced its bulletproof Kevlar fiber and SentryGlas car kit Armura in 2008 to middle class Brazilian families with Chevrolets, Hondas and yes, even low-cost Kias.

Now, it wants to bulletproof taxis that will shuttle visitors between events for the 2014 World Cup soccer championship and 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic games.

"We wanted to bring a solution to a family that wants protection but doesn't have money to afford classic car armor," said Carlos Benatto, business manager for DuPont Armura.

Armura, sold only in Brazil, protects against bullets up to .38 caliber. Sales rose 70 percent in the first quarter of this year compared with 2011.

DuPont said annual sales of Armura amounted to tens of millions of U.S. dollars, but it declined to be more specific. Sales for the company's Safety & Protection unit, which makes Armura, rose 17 percent in 2011 to $3.9 billion.

The kit costs about $12,000, weighs roughly 200 pounds and takes 15 days to install. A DuPont-approved technician replaces a car's windows with SentryGlas, and puts Kevlar panels behind the door panels. Because it relatively light weight, the kit does not cut fuel efficiency, DuPont said.

Many middle-class families might struggle to afford Armura, which adds roughly 30 percent to the $32,790 cost of a Kia Soul, but alternatives could prove to be more expensive.

DuPont said that more than 100 mechanics in Brazil offer car armoring services, cobbling together parts from different vendors that cost twice as much as Armura. Some of them might incorporate Kevlar.

Developed by DuPont in 1965, Kevlar is the industry standard for bulletproofing door panels, but it is also used in flak jackets, socks and tires. DuPont has even developed a Kevlar tornado and hurricane shelter.

DuPont's bet that customers would like the convenience of one kit designed to seamlessly integrate with their cars is also paying off not only because Armura can be installed in 11 vehicles, including Toyota's Corolla and the Chevrolet Cruze made by General Motors.

DuPont said it is also talking to automakers about installing Armura in new vehicles.

Alexandre Sarafian, a 25-year-old sporting goods retailer in Sao Paulo, decided to bulletproof a Kia Sportage for his mother, even though he wanted to buy a different car, because the Sportage is compatible with Armura.

"This is to get away from the day-to-day violence ... which should be diminishing, but it's not," said Sarafian. "Bulletproofing can get expensive, and you don't really recover that cost when you sell the car. So it's better not to pay so much."

In Brazil, high rates of petty and violent crimes have fueled the demand for security products and services. In Salvador, the country's third-largest city, the murder rate has more than doubled over the past year, in part because of a police strike.

Brazilians spend roughly $8 billion every year on private security, according to Brazil's biggest private guards' union. That's as much as the U.S. government spent on security contractors during the first four years of the Iraq war, data from the U.S. Congressional Budget Office showed.

Armura protects against most handguns commonly used in Brazil, Benatto said.

Sao Paulo's notorious traffic is partly a consequence of crime, as people too scared to take public transportation choose to drive. But thieves have discovered that traffic jams provide opportunities to prey upon the public.

"This is the type of thing we're trying to prevent," said Benatto.

Armura's success in Brazil has exceeded DuPont's expectations, so the company is planning to bring the kit to at least two other countries, but it would not name them.

Copyright 2012 Thomson Reuters.

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Toyota recalls over 681,000 vehicles in US

DETROIT — Toyota Motor Corp said on Wednesday it is recalling more than 681,000 cars and trucks in the U.S. market to address potential problems.

The Japanese automaker said it will recall about 495,000 Tacoma pickup trucks from model years 2005 to 2009 to replace a part in the steering wheel. It is also recalling about 70,500 Camry mid-sized cars and 116,000 Venza crossover vehicles from model years 2009 to 2011 to replace a stop lamp switch.

Toyota said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries in either case.

For the Tacoma, Toyota will replace the steering wheel spiral cable assembly because friction may occur over time involving that part, which may result in the driver's side airbag being deactivated and not deploying in an accident.

For the Camry and Venza, silicon grease during assembly may lead to increased electrical resistance that can cause the vehicle not to start or the shift lever not to move from the "park" position, Toyota said.

Both fixes will take about 30 minutes, the company said. Owners of the affected Tacomas will be notified in early April, while the others will be alerted as soon as Toyota has the necessary replacement parts.

Copyright 2012 Thomson Reuters.

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Nissan recalling vehicles for possible gas leaks

DETROIT — Nissan says it's recalling more than 79,000 vehicles in the U.S. to fix possible gasoline leaks.

The automaker is recalling certain Nissan Juke small crossover SUVs, Infiniti QX large SUVs and Infiniti M sedans from the 2011 and 2012 model years.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says on its website that fuel pressure sensors on the vehicles may not be tight enough and gasoline could leak and cause a fire. Nissan says no fires have been reported.

Dealers will tighten the sensors or replace gaskets free of charge to take care of the problem.

The vehicles were made between Oct. 5, 2009 and Dec. 27, 2011.

The recall is scheduled to start on March 19.

© 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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KIA recalls 146,000 U.S. vehicles for airbag problem

Kia Motors said that it is reminds 145.755 Optima sedans and Rondo crossover vehicles in the United States because of the potentially defective drivers, the airbags.

Affected the model years 2006-2008 Optimas and 2007-2008 the Rondo, are Kia Motors America said in a statement on Monday.

Kia Motors America, a unit of the KIA Motors Corp., said that any injuries or airbags deploy it not because of the problem is.

95.569 Optimas and 50.186 Rondos are affected.

KIA, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co, said that the clock contact spring Assembly for the driver's side airbag additional restraint system in the course of time can damage, may cause the driver's airbag not to the provide.

The recall is expected to start in March, said KIA.

Copyright 2012 Thomson Reuters.

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Vehicles that give the best bang for the bucks

It’s tempting to assume only the smallest, cheapest cars offer the most value.

To an extent that’s true, but owning a car costs money in a lot of ways. Less obvious costs like depreciation, interest on a loan, repair and maintenance costs can outweigh the savings from a low sticker price, a big customer rebate and high gas mileage.

That’s where Vincentric LLC comes in. Vincentric, based in Bingham Farms, Mich., analyzes ownership costs for automotive fleets and other users. Based on historical data, they forecast ownership costs including transaction prices, depreciation, fuel costs, repairs, interest, fees and taxes, insurance, maintenance — even an “opportunity cost” for how much you could make if you invested your money in something else.

“It’s important to look at how much it costs, not just to own, but to own and operate,” said Vincentric President David Wurster.

Taking all those factors into account, and the fact that since the recession owners are keeping their cars longer, Vincentric recently estimated total costs for a five-year ownership period.

Forbes asked Vincentric to sort the results, to identify cars with both the lowest possible costs and an overall “Excellent” rating from Vincentric. The resulting list includes pint-sized cars like the Honda Fit, but it also turned up a couple of gasoline-electric hybrids from Toyota, a diesel sedan from Volkswagen, a Toyota pickup truck, and even a small delivery van from Ford.

That’s surprising because the knock on hybrids – and diesels — is that depending on how long you hang onto them, they’re too expensive upfront to justify the fuel savings over time. Vincentric shows that view may be outdated.

The Vincentric results also show that gasoline-powered internal combustion engines can deliver much higher fuel economy than we’re used to seeing, using high-tech measures like modern four-cylinder engines with gasoline direct injection, six-speed automatic transmissions that get better mileage than manuals, and even low rolling-resistance tires.

There’s more than one way for owners to get the best bang for the buck.

© 2012 Forbes.com

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Beware of Dangers Found in Automobiles

Although your car can feel like a sanctuary in heavy traffic or stormy weather, the inside of a vehicle can actually be hazardous to your health. Today's modern cars and trucks are made from a variety of synthetic materials that can release poisonous substances into the air. Sometimes these substances are formed over time, with exposure to heat and sunlight, but some of them come with a brand new car. That “new car smell” that distinguishes a vehicle fresh off the dealer's lot is actually caused by harmful substances.

Take a look inside your car and you'll find synthetic carpeting and upholstery, plastic consoles and instrument panels, soft vinyl armrests and molded plastics. Car manufacturers use a variety of flame-retardants inside vehicles to help improve passenger safety in an accident. Various substances are used to make the plastics soft, flexible, and resistant to impact. Fabrics are often treated with arsenic during the manufacturing process, and a leather interior has usually been tanned with chromium. Chlorine and lead are often found in the plastic parts. Under the hood can lurk dangers like asbestos, and none of these substances are safe to inhale.

The list of problems caused by these toxic substances is even longer than the list of poisons, a major concern since many people spend hours a day in their vehicles. Birth defects, liver toxicity, learning disabilities, premature birth, and hormone disruption are all known to be caused by the same toxic substances that give a new car its distinctive smell. As a vehicle ages, these compounds can break down into even more harmful substances. The effects of long term exposure to the substances used in car manufacture have not been adequately studied, but doctors suspect everything from cancer to mesothelioma.



The toxic substances found in vehicles are most likely to harm the most vulnerable passengers. Even children's car seats have been found to contain substances like bromine, chlorine, and heavy metals. As the interior of the car heats up on a hot day, the air inside the vehicle becomes more and more toxic. Studies have found that air pollution inside vehicles can be significantly worse than air pollution outdoors or inside buildings. Vehicles that are several years old have already released a large amount of their toxic substances and can have somewhat better air quality. Older cars are more likely to have dangers like asbestos lurking under the hood, especially in hood liners, brake pads, clutch assemblies, and gaskets. Those who drive or maintain these vehicles should take precautions to reduce their risk of exposure.

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