Monthly Archive for January, 2010

In-depth look at Toyota’s accelerator issue

Published on January 30, 2010 in Recalls and Under the Hood (In Depth). 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

I found this over on AutoBlog and had to share it.  What is it, you ask?  It’s an in-depth video where Sam Abuelsamid, who worked in the automotive industry for 20 years, takes a close look at the accelerator pedal from a 2009 Toyota Camry.  He spent his time working on anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control systems, so he knows a lot about the subject.  Sam breaks down the issue into very easy-to-understand terms, so click past the jump to see it – it’s worth the few minutes to see exactly what is causing Toyota’s newest recall.

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Dogpile on the Rabbit: Incentives Galore! (and other news)

Published on January 29, 2010 in Manufacturer Update and Recalls. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

We’ve reported previously on GM offering Toyota owners and lessees incentives for trading in their car.  Now, Ford is adding an extra $1,000 to any Toyota trade-in, as well as Lexus, Scion.  They’re also including Honda in the extra trade-in values, for good measure.  While AutoBlog says this includes Acura vehicles, check with your local Ford dealer to be sure.  Not to be left out, Hyundai is offering the same $1,000 extra on Toyota trade-ins, but only until next Monday, and only for these models: Sonata, Elantra, or Elantra Touring.  Meanwhile, Honda says it’s not joining in the feeding frenzy.  There’s more going on, so click past the jump!

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Update: Toyota has its own Top 10 list about recall

Published on January 29, 2010 in Manufacturer Update and Recalls. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Toyota published a list of Top 10 Questions and Answers about their recalls.  It’s posted in its entirety below, but here’s my take on it:  They’re trying to stop their “good quality” karma from hemorraging.  They’ve got so much negative news on them right now that it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’ll end up costing them hundreds of millions by the time the recalls are both finished.  There isn’t a lot of new information in the press release, but I think it’s important nonetheless.

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New Mercedes SLS AMG drives upside down!?

Published on January 29, 2010 in Fun Stuff and Hot Car - Upcoming. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

Mercedes-Benz has long been known for well-crafted automobiles.  Their AMG division is well-known for taking those automobiles and upping the ante, both in performance and looks.  For the first time, AMG has designed a car from the ground up, and it’s called the SLS AMG.  With gullwing doors like the classic MB 300SL Gullwing of the past and a modern drivetrain, the SLS AMG looks to be a super fast, great-looking car.

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Recall: Honda recalls 646,000 Fits around the world

Published on January 29, 2010 in Recalls. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

While not as Earth-shattering as the other recalls we’ve heard about, Honda announced today that it is recalling 646,000 Honda Fits, also known as the City or Jazz, depending on the market it’s sold in.  That number includes 140,000 Fits here in the United States, but none in its home country of Japan.  The recall is for a defective master switch, which allows water to get into the window switches and possibly cause a fire.  Two fires have been reported here in the US, and one in South Africa.

When more information is available, I’ll have an update for you.  Until then, stay tuned!

by John Suit

Source: Reuters via AutoBlog

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Update: Saab is back from the dead!

Published on January 29, 2010 in Industry Update and Manufacturer Update. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

There has been a lot of speculation lately as to the fate of troubled automaker Saab.  We reported previously that GM was going to wind Saab’s operations down at the end of 2009.  Then talk began of Swedish company Spyker trying to buy Saab.  Spyker previously put a bid in to buy them, but negotiations with GM fell through, leaving GM to announce the end of its Swedish subsidiary.  Although details in the press release are slim, apparently Spyker will create a new company called Saab Spyker Automobiles, which will build Saab automobiles.  The entire deal is still hinging on government and court approvals, on both sides of the Atlantic, but shows great promise, which is great news for Saab fans and employees.

by John Suit

Source: General Motors

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