Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Bogus car hauler stealing luxury autos from dealers in several states?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/06/bogus-car-hauler-stealing-luxury-autos-from-dealers-in-several-s/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Hauler

Luxury cars are nice. Most people would consider some kind of sacrifice to own one, while others plant their behinds in Corinthian Leather through ill-gotten gains. When something is desirable, there's no end to the scheming. The latest tactic for driving luxe without earning it is pretty blatant: just show up and take it! Automotive News reports that the FBI is currently looking into an operation that's using the identity of Atlas Towing and Recovery of Illinois, a real, legitimate business, to take luxury vehicles right out from under the noses of dealerships.

The false haulers are apparently showing up at dealers and picking up cars using Atlas Towing's credentials, causing the National Auto Auction Association to send out a warning. Over the summer, Manheim Auto Auctions also got hit with a fake car hauler, and that operation is believed to be connected to the more recent activity. Dealers have been warned to notify the authorities if anyone posing as Atlas Towing and Recovery comes calling and and tries to pick up vehicles. It is pretty slick, though, showing up with a truck and an air of official-ness. Points for cleverness, but it's likely not clever enough to avoid capture eventually.

[Source: Automotive News - sub req, | Image: BringATrailer]

Bogus car hauler stealing luxury autos from dealers in several states? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auction auto theftAuctionAutoTheftauto theftauto theft schemeAutoTheftAutoTheftSchemecar auction theftcar theftcar theftsCarAuctionTheftCarTheftCarTheftsfake auto transport schemeFakeAutoTransportSchemevintage auto theftVintageAutoTheft Sun, 06 Dec 2009 09:34:00 EST <![CDATA[Here's the Plan: GM reveals how it will deal with shuttered dealers' complaints]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/heres-the-plan-gm-reveals-how-it-will-deal-with-shuttered-deal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/heres-the-plan-gm-reveals-how-it-will-deal-with-shuttered-deal/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/04/heres-the-plan-gm-reveals-how-it-will-deal-with-shuttered-deal/#comments Filed under: , ,



Back in May, General Motors announced plans to close down a large portion of its dealership network. Since then, a number of those franchisees have lodged complaints to both the automaker itself and appropriate policymakers, leading to possible legislation on how GM is allowed to handle the closing of dealerships. This being the case, The General is proactively drafting a new set of rules as to how it will deal with these to-be-shuttered dealerships, and it promises that some are likely to be reinstated after the process.

Specific details can be seen in the press release pasted after the break, but it seems that the new plan basically will allow these affected dealerships to get some real-life face time with the automaker to hear exactly whey they were targeted for closure. If the dealer still isn't happy with the outcome, it can elect to enter binding arbitration. If that arbiter finds that GM chose to shutter the dealership for anything other than sound business reasons, the franchise stands to be reinstated.

There's plenty more detailed in the plan, including a provision for GM to help service technicians and dealership employees find new placement, after the break. This plan will go into effect by mid-January "provided that legislation related to GM's dealer restructuring does not move forward."

[Source: General Motors | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images]

Continue reading Here's the Plan: GM reveals how it will deal with shuttered dealers' complaints

Here's the Plan: GM reveals how it will deal with shuttered dealers' complaints originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> dealer closingdealer closingsdealer franchisedealer relationsDealerClosingDealerClosingsDealerFranchiseDealerRelationsgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmGM dealergm dealersgm dealershipgm dealership closingsgm dealershipsGmDealerGmDealersGmDealershipGmDealershipClosingsGmDealerships Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:27:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/la-2009-lawsuit-happy-u-s-kills-chances-for-lotus-exige-scura/#comments Filed under: , ,

Lotus Exige Stealth - Click above for high-res image gallery

We had a chance to chat with Lotus USA spokesman Kevin Smith at the LA Auto Show and he shared a bit of news with us. He confirmed that while we unfortunately won't be getting the limited edition Exige Scura/Stealth that debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show, we will will get something close. The problem is the special matte black paint on the Scura. We reported on the rubberized finish at the time after talking with Lotus vehicle engineering director Roger Becker. The matte finish can be marked up, and because of process used to apply it, it's not possible to do spot repairs on the affected area.

Because of the litigious nature of America when it comes to product liability, Lotus has apparently opted not to offer the special paint job. We will, however, get essentially the rest of the car including the new wheel design that debuted on the Scura. The rest of the mechanical bits are largely the same as the Exige 260 S that we had so much fun with a few months ago. Lotus is still finalizing the spec of the new limited edition model but Smith tells us that it will be available in four colors including Phantom Black. Approximately 20-30 units will be built for the U.S. market in two-to-three months with availability in early spring.


Gallery: Tokyo 2009: 2010 Lotus Exige Scura


Photos copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid, Jonathon Ramsey / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Lotus]

LA 2009: Lawsuit-happy U.S. kills chances for Lotus Exige Scura, but we'll get something similar originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> exige scuraexige stealthExigeScuraExigeStealthla auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA autoshowla2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009lotuslotus exigelotus exige scuralotus exige stealthLotusExigeLotusExigeScuraLotusExigeStealth Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: NHTSA proposing new side airbag standards expected to cost $54 per car]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-nhtsa-proposing-new-side-airbag-standards-expected-to-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-nhtsa-proposing-new-side-airbag-standards-expected-to-co/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-nhtsa-proposing-new-side-airbag-standards-expected-to-co/#comments Filed under: ,



Naturally, safety is a top priority for both automakers and consumers alike. It's also of paramount concern to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, which is the government body that sets standards for automobile safety here in the States. According to The Detroit News, NHTSA is currently drafting up new legislation that would make side curtain airbags more robust.

NHTSA projects that the modified airbags would save some 402 lives and prevent 302 serious injuries per year, with the bulk of those made up of motorists who are not properly wearing their seat belts. The new rules would mandate curtain airbags that cover up more of the window opening and stay inflated longer, helping to ensure that occupants are not ejected during a rollover accident.

What price safety? Current estimates peg the upgrade at about $54 per vehicle, which equals roughly $920 million annually. Under the proposal, 20 percent of every major manufacturer's fleet would need to comply by 2014 and all vehicles would need to be so-equipped by 2017.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: NHTSA proposing new side airbag standards expected to cost $54 per car originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> airbagairbagscurtain airbagcurtain airbagsCurtainAirbagCurtainAirbagsNational Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsanhtsa airbagNhtsaAirbagside curtain airbagside curtain airbagsSideCurtainAirbagSideCurtainAirbags Thu, 03 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST <![CDATA[A Game of Chicken: Mitsubishi wants to import Triton pickup and Delica van - but can it afford to?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/a-game-of-chicken-mitsubishi-wants-to-import-triton-pickup-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/a-game-of-chicken-mitsubishi-wants-to-import-triton-pickup-and/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/a-game-of-chicken-mitsubishi-wants-to-import-triton-pickup-and/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to a report from Automotive News, Mitsubishi's North American CEO Shin Kurihara would like to bring over the Japanese automaker's funky little Delica van (right) and Triton pickup (above), believing that the two work-ready models may fill a desirable niche here in the States. So, why not wave a magic wand and make that happen? In a word: Chickens.

Sorry, come again? What do chickens have to do with vans and pickups? It's all a bit odd, but back in the early Sixties, the United States levied a 25% tax on potato starch, Dextrin, brandy, and light trucks in response to French and German tariffs on imported U.S. chicken. Yes, really.

As such, importing any light trucks from overseas into the States can be an expensive proposition, taking away pretty much any chance of profitability. There may be ways around the issue as Ford has found with its Turkey-built Transit Connect, and Mitsubishi is currently considering its options, which, we surmise, may include bringing the vehicles in only partially assembled and finishing them here in the U.S. We'll see.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

A Game of Chicken: Mitsubishi wants to import Triton pickup and Delica van - but can it afford to? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chicken taxChickenTaxdelicamitsubishimitsubishi delicamitsubishi tritonMitsubishiDelicaMitsubishiTritontriton Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:31:00 EST <![CDATA[GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/gm-confirms-chevrolet-volt-to-be-introduced-in-california-before/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/gm-confirms-chevrolet-volt-to-be-introduced-in-california-before/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/02/gm-confirms-chevrolet-volt-to-be-introduced-in-california-before/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2011 Chevrolet Volt - Click above for high-res image gallery

If environmentally-friendly transportation is your thing, there's no place like California. Not only is the state home base to Tesla - the first company to genuinely demonstrate that hugging a tree and hugging the road needn't be mutually exclusive - it was also chosen by General Motors as the launch site for its EV1 and by Honda for the FCX Clarity. It should come as no great surprise, then, that GM has just announced that its latest earthmobile - the highly anticipated Chevrolet Volt - will launch in California first before being introduced in markets across the country.

Not only with the Volt be available in the nation's largest car market before any other, but The General is also partnering with a number of local electric companies to accompany the rollout. Pacific Gas and Electric, Southern California Edison and Sacramento Municipal Utility District, together with the non-profit Electric Power Research Institute, will help demonstrate the benefits and practicality of the Volt's hybrid powertrain, thanks in part to a $30 million grant from the federal Department of Energy's Transportation Electrification Initiative. Follow the jump to read all about it in GM's full press release.


Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Volt


[Source: General Motors]

Continue reading GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout

GM confirms Chevrolet Volt to be introduced in California before nationwide rollout originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 chevrolet volt2011 chevy volt2011ChevroletVolt2011ChevyVoltcaliforniachevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVolte-revElectric Power Research InstituteElectricPowerResearchInstituteeprierevEVextended-rangegas-electricpacific gas and electricPacificGasAndElectricsacramento municipal utility districtSacramentoMunicipalUtilityDistrictsouthern california edisonSouthernCaliforniaEdisonvolt Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/feds-punt-on-e15-waiver-decision/#comments Filed under: ,



There is some ethanol in almost all of the gasoline sold in the U.S. Usually, this amount is no more than 10 percent of the total and, if it's more than that, it jumps all the way to 85 percent and is sold as E85. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was supposed to come down on one side or the other today of a possible increase across the board to 15 percent that Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers asked for, but instead announced that it needs more time.

The EPA has been looking at the E15 issue all year and investigating all sorts of issues, but there are a lot of moving parts in this sort of decision. Everyone from farmers and their subsidies to grow the corn used to make most of the ethanol sold today to car makers who have tuned their engines to run on E10 but not E15 want to have their say. The EPA has heard the comments, and now says that it needs more time to test E15 in vehicles. Right now, it thinks that any vehicle built after 2001 will burn E15 just fine, but there are a lot of older vehicles still on the road. Cash For Clunkers didn't get all of them off the road, after all. A decision is now expected in mid-June 2010.

The postponement was met with approval by the Alliance of Automobile Manufactures, which said they want more government testing "to prove that increasing the allowable ethanol blend limit will not harm vehicle emissions, performance, and durability." Read their full statement after the jump.

[Source: Reuters, Auto Allliance | Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images]

Continue reading Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars

Feds punt on E15 waiver decision, want to test ethanol's effect on more cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> e10e15e85environmental protection agencyEnvironmentalProtectionAgencyepaethanolgrowth energyGrowthEnergyU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyU.s.EnvironmentalProtectionAgency Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/ford-loses-appeal-in-roll-over-case-must-pay-55m/#comments Filed under: , , ,



According to The Detroit News, the Supreme Court has let stand a ruling that Ford Motor Company is at fault for a 2002 rollover crash involving a 1997 Ford Explorer and the Dearborn, MI-based automaker must pay $55 million in punitive damages. Benetta Buell-Wilson's Explorer rolled over four-and-a-half times after she swerved to avoid debris. When the roof collapsed on her neck, it severed her spinal cord and left her paralyzed.

Ford unsuccessfully argued that it shouldn't be punished due to the fact that the Explorer complied with federal safety standards when it was built. Buell-Wilson was originally awarded $369 million in damages, but a pair of California courts cut down the total value of damages to $82.6 million.

[Source: The Detroit News]

REPORT: Ford loses appeal in rollover case, must pay $55M originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> benetta buell-wilsonBenettaBuell-wilsonfordford explorerFordExplorerrolloversupreme courtSupremeCourt Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:29:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Lamborghini Gallardo cop car crashes in Italy thanks to careless driver]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-lamborghini-gallardo-cop-car-crashes-in-italy-thanks-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-lamborghini-gallardo-cop-car-crashes-in-italy-thanks-to/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/report-lamborghini-gallardo-cop-car-crashes-in-italy-thanks-to/#comments Filed under: , ,



The Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia is a very capable police cruiser that just happens to also be an extremely desirable Italian exotic. How many police cruisers can go 200 mph while toting a vital organ in its specially made refrigerated storage? While Lambo and the Italian State Police thought of all kinds of neat amenities to make the LP560-4 the perfect cruiser, they neglected to install an idiot detection device and now they're paying the ultimate price.

One of two Gallardo LP560-4 Polizias is ready for the scrap heap after a careless Seat Ibiza driver pulled out of a gas station without first looking for $200,000 police car. The undoubtedly surprised driver of the Gallardo swerved to avoid the oblivious one and smashed into a row of parked cars. The wedge-like Gallardo hit the cars so hard that one vehicle actually ended up on top (see above) of the ultimate Pig-mobile, crushing the front end. Luckily, the police officer and his passenger were unhurt in the incident. Ironically, the police issue Gallardo was on its way home from a safe driving seminar when the accident occurred.

What a bummer. The cop driving the car was one of 20 officers specially trained to handle the Gallardo's awesome V10 power. Now that the world's neatest police cruiser is scrap-worthy, he'll likely have to go back to driving a Fiat. Thanks for the tips, everyone!!


Gallery: Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Polizia


[Source: Guardian | Image: YouReporter.IT]

REPORT: Lamborghini Gallardo cop car crashes in Italy thanks to careless driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> cop carCopCargallardo poliziaGallardoPolizialamborghini cop cartlamborghini gallardo lp560-4LamborghiniCopCartLamborghiniGallardoLp560-4police cruiserPoliceCruiser Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Saab, Swedish gov't in Detroit to discuss brand's future]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/saab-swedish-govt-in-detroit-to-discuss-brands-future/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/saab-swedish-govt-in-detroit-to-discuss-brands-future/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/30/saab-swedish-govt-in-detroit-to-discuss-brands-future/#comments Filed under: ,

Don't write off Saab just yet. While last week's announcement that Koenigsegg Automotive AB had pulled its offer for the homeless brand was a painful kick to the gut, it seems there are still a few companies interested in taking the automaker under its wings. With that in mind, and interested in keeping the momentum, Saab CEO Jan Ake Jonsson and government officials from Sweden are meeting in Detroit today ahead of a Tuesday GM board meeting to determine Saab's fate.

As we've reported, other bidders have expressed interest in Saab and the list appears to have grown. These companies include Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Corp., U.S. investment company Merbanco Inc., and the U.S. private equity firm Renco Group Inc. You may recall that it was Beijing Auto who had partnered with Koenigsegg in the latest deal that fell off the table. Said Beijing Auto's general manager Wang Dazong, "stay tuned a little bit." Yes, we all are. Patiently.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Saab, Swedish gov't in Detroit to discuss brand's future originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Beijing AutoBeijingAutoJan Ake JonssonJanAkeJonssonkoenigseggKoenigsegg CCRkoenigsegg saabKoenigseggCcrKoenigseggSaabMerbanco Inc.MerbancoInc.Renco GroupRencoGroupSaabSaab fateSaab SaleSaabFateSaabSaleWang DazongWangDazong Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST <![CDATA[Bring the Noise: Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps reportedly safe... for now]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/bring-the-noise-belgiums-spa-francorchamps-reportedly-safe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/bring-the-noise-belgiums-spa-francorchamps-reportedly-safe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/bring-the-noise-belgiums-spa-francorchamps-reportedly-safe/#comments Filed under: , ,



Following earlier news that the Donington track, which was supposed to take over the British Grand Prix in lieu of Silverstone, had to declare bankruptcy comes a reversal of fortune for the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The longtime host of the Belgian Grand Prix looked to be in serious trouble with local authorities when nearby residents got fed up with the noise emanating from the track. Government officials threatened to shut down the circuit if the situation wasn't addressed, but now they appear to be singing a different tune.

According to the latest reports, the regional environment ministry has given Spa an exemption from noise regulations in light of the economic benefits the Belgian Grand Prix brings to the region. There are a few conditions, though. First of all, while they're willing to overlook the noise issue for the F1 race (and possibly a few other events), authorities will crack down at other times, even shutting down the track completely during parts of the summer. Beyond that, they've appointed a third party to monitor the noise levels, warning the track owners that their exemption will be up for review again within two years. So, while race organizers and fans can breathe a sigh of relief, it'll be a short breath, proving once again that racing and bureaucrats don't mix.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty]

Bring the Noise: Belgium's Spa-Francorchamps reportedly safe... for now originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> belgian grand prixBelgianGrandPrixbelgiumbueaucratscircuitf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnenoisenoise pollutionNoisePollutionracing circuitracing trackRacingCircuitRacingTrackspaSpa FrancorchampsSpa-FrancorchampsSpaFrancorchampstrack Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:25:00 EST <![CDATA[Texas unveils new vanity plates to raise money for state]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/texas-unveils-new-vanity-plates-to-raise-money-for-state/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/texas-unveils-new-vanity-plates-to-raise-money-for-state/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/26/texas-unveils-new-vanity-plates-to-raise-money-for-state/#comments Filed under: ,

Texas' new vanity license plates - Click above for high-res image gallery


Every state in the union is facing huge budget deficits and a number have turned to license plates as a way to raise some fast cash. First was New York, which recently unveiled a new "Empire Gold" license plate. The catch? Any citizen who wants to legally drive is required to buy one when his or her current plates expire. And they're more expensive than the old ones to boot.

Speaking of boots, Texas is also planning to raise funds with license plates, but in this case it's totally optional. The Lone Star state recently unveiled a spate of new vanity plates on MyPlates.com that cost between $55 and $195 smackaroos. The selection is as large as the state itself (and its hats) including standard Lone Star plates in crazy colors like hot pink and orange (Texas calls them Lone Star Pink and Lone Star Orange), as well as an Old West-themed plate and other Texassy designs.

Sure, $195 for a vanity plate is a lot, but the money's divided between the state and its two partners in this joint venture: Pinnacle Technical Resources of Dallas and Etech Inc. of Nacogdoches. Regardless of the three-way split, the state is reportedly guaranteed $25 million over five years. Hey, if it'll help keep a few extra public school teachers employed and essential services in tact, then its worth living down the fact that your state now offers a hot pink license plate.



[Source: USA Today via Star-Telegram]

Texas unveils new vanity plates to raise money for state originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> license platesLicensePlatestexastexas vanity platesTexasVanityPlatesvanityvanity platesVanityPlates Thu, 26 Nov 2009 09:00:00 EST <![CDATA[BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/25/breaking-toyota-to-recall-3-8m-vehicles-to-reshape-and-replace/#comments Filed under: , , ,



Toyota has announced that it will recall some 3.8 million cars and trucks to reshape and/or replace their accelerator pedals. The action is the result of fears that loose floormats may cause the accelerator pedal to stick, increasing the risk of an accident. The recall will be the largest in the Japanese automaker's history, and it will cover a wide range of vehicles from the 2004 model year through 2010 - a complete list is available after the jump. The move comes after an earlier action where Toyota announced it would recall 3.8 million vehicles to only swap floor mats.

Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Toyota will effect the recall by sending letters to owners of its Avalon, Camry, and Lexus ES 350 models by year's end. Five other models, including the Prius, Tacoma, Tundra, and Lexus IS 250/IS 350 will receive similar notices sometime in 2010.

The plan includes training dealer service representatives to reshape gas pedals, and Toyota will develop and ship redesigned gas pedals beginning in April. Those customers who have elected to have their pedals initially reshaped will still be able to have the pedal replaced when the updated unit becomes available. Vehicles fitted with Toyota or Lexus-made all-weather floor mats will also receive a new set of redesigned front mats.

Interestingly, Toyota will also install a a brake override system that will turn off the engine if both the accelerator and the brake are depressed simultaneously. According to Automotive News, this update will occur on "involved Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models 'as an extra measure of confidence.'" This action appears to be limited to vehicles that employ Toyota's push-button start system, but interestingly its hybrid-only Prius has apparently been excluded.

For its part, Toyota says the cost of the action will come entirely from its dedicated recall fund, a $5.6 billion dollar stash, and therefore, the recall will have "no effect" on its business. The news come on the heels of yesterday's announcement that Toyota will recall 2000-2003 Tundra pickups over frame rust issues.

A complete list of vehicles covered under the action and both NHTSA and Toyota's official press releases are available after the jump.

[Sources: Reuters; Automotive News; NHTSA; Toyota]

Continue reading BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals

BREAKING: Toyota to recall 3.8M vehicles to reshape and replace pedals originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> breakingbreakingnewsCamryfloor matfloormatfloormat recallFloormatRecallfloormatsfloormats recallFloormatsRecallLexus ISLexus IS 250Lexus IS 350Lexus IS250Lexus IS350LexusIsLexusIs250LexusIs350PriustoyotaToyota AvalonToyota CamryToyota PriusToyota TacomaToyota TundraToyotaAvalonToyotaCamryToyotaPriusToyotaTacomaToyotaTundratoyta recallToytaRecall Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:03:00 EST <![CDATA[NHTSA opening probe into Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey transmission defect]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/nhtsa-opening-probe-into-ford-freestar-mercury-monterey-transmis/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is investigating hundreds of reports that 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and Mercury Monterey minivans are fitted with defective transmissions that could dangerously fail without warning. Most alarming is that many of the transmissions reportedly fail at highway speeds. In a common complaint, the engine will suddenly surge and then all power is immediately lost. The vehicle is forced to coast powerlessly to a safe spot out of the flow of traffic. Angry owners have flooded message boards to report incidents of transmission failures which leave them stranded and stuck with $3,500 repair bills.

To date, there have been 654 customer complaints and 2,791 warranty claims. However, according to NHTSA, as many as 205,000 vehicles may be affected. The investigation, expected to take a year, will focus on the torque converter output shaft which drives the wheels. Ford Motor Co. has not yet released an official statement regarding the investigation.

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

NHTSA opening probe into Ford Freestar/Mercury Monterey transmission defect originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> DefectFord Freestarford minivansFordFreestarFordMinivansFreestarMercury MontereyMercuryMontereyMontereyNHTSARecallTorque ConverterTorque Converter FailureTorqueConverterTorqueConverterFailureTransmissionTransmission FailureTransmission problemTransmissionFailureTransmissionProblem Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:31:00 EST <![CDATA[Flash Mob: Police reportedly bust illegal night race on Hockenheim circuit]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/flash-mob-police-reportedly-bust-illegal-night-race-on-hockenhe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/flash-mob-police-reportedly-bust-illegal-night-race-on-hockenhe/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/flash-mob-police-reportedly-bust-illegal-night-race-on-hockenhe/#comments Filed under: , ,



We don't condone illegal behavior here at Autoblog. Heaven forbid. But if you are going to break the law, this strikes us as a good way to go about it.

Reports out of Germany indicate that a group of some 100 people in 43 cars descended upon the Hockenheimring (host of the German Grand Prix) in southern Germany this past Saturday night for what we can only describe as the racing equivalent of a flash mob. The group reportedly coordinated over the interwebs, showed up at night after the track was closed and staged an impromptu race around the circuit.

That is, until 50 cops showed up to bust the illegal race. Officials say they'll all be fined - presumably for trespassing, since we don't imagine there's anything illegal about actually, you know, racing on a race track - and that this wasn't the first time this kind of race has been held on the track after hours. Giggity. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

[Source: The Local | Image: Vladimir Rys/Bongarts/Getty]

Flash Mob: Police reportedly bust illegal night race on Hockenheim circuit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> germanyhockenheimHockenheimringillegal raceIllegalRacenight racenight racingNightRaceNightRacingpolizeistreet racingStreetRacing Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST <![CDATA[British GP track Donington Park declares bankruptcy]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/british-gp-track-donington-park-declares-bankruptcy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/british-gp-track-donington-park-declares-bankruptcy/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/british-gp-track-donington-park-declares-bankruptcy/#comments Filed under: , , ,


1993 European Grand Prix at Donington

It's been one heck of a rollercoaster ride for Donington Park this year. The British racing circuit hosted a Formula One race back in 1993, and was set to take over the British Grand Prix from Silverstone until the race promoter fell on hard times.

Donington Ventures Leisure Ltd signed a 150-year lease with Wheatcroft & Sons Ltd, owners of the circuit just two years ago with the aim of bringing F1 racing back to the track. But having failed to raise the capital necessary to bring the track's facilities up to F1 standards, Autocar reports that the 17-year deal with Bernie Ecclestone's Formula One Management fell into jeopardy.

Its prospects and finances in ruins, Donington Ventures has declared bankruptcy and entered administration. Now the lease could be up for grabs; failing that, it will revert to Wheatcroft ownership, the British Grand Prix will likely return to Silverstone for good and Donington will go back to hosting concerts, touring cars and motorbike races once again.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Pascal Rondeau/Allsport/Getty]

British GP track Donington Park declares bankruptcy originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> british grand prixBritishGrandPrixdoningtonDonington Parkdonington venturesDoningtonParkDoningtonVenturesf1formula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnegrand prixGrandPrixwheatcroft Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:30:00 EST <![CDATA[Government reportedly encouraged by Fiat's plan for Chrysler, sees "huge sense of urgency"]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/government-reportedly-encouraged-by-fiats-plan-for-chrysler-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/government-reportedly-encouraged-by-fiats-plan-for-chrysler-se/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/19/government-reportedly-encouraged-by-fiats-plan-for-chrysler-se/#comments Filed under: , ,



Two weeks ago Fiat and Chrysler unleashed an ambitious five-year plan to return Detroit's number three automaker to financial and product health. The plan called for 14 all-new models based mostly on Fiat platforms and ten more vehicles which will receive much-needed attention. While Senator John McCain isn't so sure Chrysler will survive the next few years, Obama Auto Task Force Chief Ron Bloom likes what he sees.

Automotive News is reporting that Bloom says the Pentastar plan shows "a huge sense of urgency. We see a huge dedication and commitment, working extremely hard." Bloom also added that he agrees with CEO Sergio Marchionne when he said that team Pentastar has their work cut out for them.

Considering that the US government spent billions bailing out Chrysler, Bloom's confidence means a lot. But while the government saved Chrysler, the United Auto Workers is the company's biggest shareholder. The union currently owns 55% of the new Chrysler, and that won't change until the Auburn Hills, MI-based automaker goes public and pays off its pension obligations. Marchionne has said that the public move could come as early as 2011, but Bloom says that time line could be premature. Either way, we're sure Chrysler will go public at the earliest possible time, but that time won't come until the stock-buying public sees some new products coming from Auburn Hills via Italy.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image Source: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

Government reportedly encouraged by Fiat's plan for Chrysler, sees "huge sense of urgency" originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> auto task forceAutoTaskForcechryslerchrysler planChryslerPlanfiatfive year planFiveYearPlanron bloomRonBloom Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/pole-dance-nhtsa-to-add-new-side-impact-crash-test-w-video/#comments Filed under: , , ,

NHTSA side-impact pole test - click above to watch the video

Not satisfied with cars that manage crash forces well enough to avoid spilling your drink, and engines that run so clean they'll barely asphyxiate ants, a new crash test is reportedly coming in the works from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Along with the test will come new dummies and new testing equipment, all of which means it's likely to have a big impact on future car designs. The side-impact pole test will simulate side collisions with objects like trees or telephone poles, a type of accident that current side-impact tests don't accurately simulate.

According to The New York Times, the new test will use a 10-inch round pole that will collide with the car at speeds of up to 20 mph. A 75-degree angle will be used, and the point of impact will be just aft of the A-pillar. Naturally, automakers won't have to pass the test all at once, the standard will be phased in. For 2011, 20 percent of an automaker's fleet will have to meet the standard and by 2014, the pole crash standard will be at 100 percent - all new cars will have to comply.

It's a change that could potentially change the face of auto design, the same way pedestrian impact standards in Europe have led to some peculiar front sheetmetal. Materials changes may also be employed to meet the regulation, with additional high-strength steel being substituted. The more conventional metals currently used are easier to form, while stronger metals require all sorts of hot pressing and tempering to be put into shape. Manufacturing cost will go up, which means prices will probably also increase, or profit will decrease while prices hold steady. Safe cars are a laudable goal, but how safe is safe enough? Follow the jump to see a video of how Ford's 2010 Mustang GT convertible and coupe models fare, then let us know what you think by leaving a comment.

[Source: The New York Times]

Continue reading Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO]

Pole Dance: NHTSA to add new side-impact crash test? [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> crash testcrash test videocrash test videoscrash testingcrash testsCrashTestCrashTestingCrashTestsCrashTestVideoCrashTestVideosfordford mustangford mustang crash testFordMustangFordMustangCrashTestmustangmustang crash testMustangCrashTestnhtsanhtsa standardnhtsa videoNhtsaStandardNhtsaVideopole impact crash testPoleImpactCrashTestvideovideos Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:56:00 EST <![CDATA[GM's RenCen headquarters in Detroit 'at risk' without tax credits?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gms-rencen-headquarters-in-detroit-at-risk-without-tax-credit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gms-rencen-headquarters-in-detroit-at-risk-without-tax-credit/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/gms-rencen-headquarters-in-detroit-at-risk-without-tax-credit/#comments Filed under: , ,



According to The Detroit News, General Motors has gone on record as suggesting that without state tax credits designed to keep 2,500 employees ensconced at its Detroit Renaissance Center headquarters, the automaker could pull out of Motown's skyline and into the suburbs and surrounding areas.

As the story goes, transcripts from the Michigan Economic Development Corp. say that the Michigan Economic Growth Authority needs to amend a slate of already-approved tax credits to include the Renaissance Center. The requested amendment reportedly includes a provision that GM would need to keep at least 2,500 employees working at the RenCen with a total payroll of $60 million in order to qualify for the incentives.

If GM does not receive the tax breaks, it could disburse the approximately 1,500 additional workers at its headquarters to other offices in the metro Detroit area.

[Source: The Detroit News | Image: Bill Pugliano/Getty]

GM's RenCen headquarters in Detroit 'at risk' without tax credits? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> DetroitGMMichigan Economic Development Corp.MichiganEconomicDevelopmentCorp.Renaissance CenterRenaissanceCenterRenCentax breakstax incentivesTaxBreaksTaxIncentives Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:59:00 EST <![CDATA[Mitsubishi recalls nearly 30k 2008-2009 Lancer/Lancer EVO models over airbag sensors]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/mitsubishi-recalls-nearly-30k-2008-2009-lancer-lancer-evo-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/mitsubishi-recalls-nearly-30k-2008-2009-lancer-lancer-evo-models/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/17/mitsubishi-recalls-nearly-30k-2008-2009-lancer-lancer-evo-models/#comments Filed under: , , , ,


Mitsubishi Evo X - Click above for high-res image gallery

Potential corrosion of the front impact airbag sensor has prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall up to 29,353 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution models. NHTSA is concerned that long-term exposure to a mixture of melted snow and salt thrown up by other vehicles on the road may cause the wintery mixture to adhere to the front impact sensor and lead to corrosion over time. In the event of an accident or collision, a damaged sensor may short-circuit and delay airbag deployment possibly causing driver or passenger injury. The recall is currently limited to states where heavy road salt is used in the winter (i.e., Connecticut, New York, Wisconsin, etc...).

Mitsubishi dealers have been instructed to replace the airbag sensors with a redesigned model with improved corrosion resistance. Of course, the service will be performed at no charge. While the safety recall isn't scheduled to begin until November 27, 2009, owners may contact Mitsubishi Customer Relations at 888-648-7820, contact NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit NHTSA on the Internet at www.safercar.gov. Full press release after the jump.


Gallery: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X


[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Mitsubishi recalls nearly 30k 2008-2009 Lancer/Lancer EVO models over airbag sensors

Mitsubishi recalls nearly 30k 2008-2009 Lancer/Lancer EVO models over airbag sensors originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2008 mitsubishi lancer2008 mitsubishi lancer es2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X2008MitsubishiLancer2008MitsubishiLancerEs2008MitsubishiLancerEvolution2008MitsubishiLancerEvolutionX2009 mitsubishi lancer ralliart2009MitsubishiLancerRalliartAir Bagairbagauto recallAutoRecallcar recallCarRecallcorrosionEVOEvo XevolutionEvoXLancerlancer EVOlancer evolutionLancerEvoLancerEvolutionMitsumitsubishimitsubishi recallMitsubishiLancerMitsubishiRecallNHTSA RecallNhtsaRecallRecallSafety RecallSafetyRecallsalt Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:29:00 EST