Volkswagen Recalls 790,000 vehicles

In the news: Volkswagen has discovered that a previous recall of 362,000 vehicles (1999-2002 Jettas and 1998-2002 New Beetles) for a defective brake light switch actually affects a much larger range of vehicles.

So now the German automaker is extending the recall to an additional 790,000 vehicles that include 1999-2006 Golf and GTI models, 2001-2005 Jettas, 2001-2007 New Beetles and the 2004 R32.

The problem lies in the possibility that brake light switches in these vehicles may have been wrongly installed, which could cause them to remain on all the time or not working at all. In a worse case scenario, some vehicles with automatic transmissions might be immobilized if the brake light switch can't be activated so that the transmission can be shifted out of Park.

When the new recall begins in April, VW dealers will install a new brake light switch free of charge for owners of the affected vehicles. For more information regarding this recall, call VW at 1-800-822-8987.

Toyota Opens New Assembly Plant

Toyota Motor Corporation is expanding its facilities in North America with the opening of a new assembly plant located in Mississippi.

Toyota has announced that it will open its vehicle assembly plant in Blue Springs, Mississippi, the company's 8th vehicle assembly plant in North America. Toyota officials made the announcement along with some state and local officials around Mississippi. The new assembly plant will build the popular Toyota Highlander and will start the production by 2010 with an annual production capacity of about 150,000 units, according to the company.

Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi commented: "We in Mississippi and especially North Mississippi are excited to have been chosen by Toyota as its partner. Toyota is the world's premiere auto manufacturer and our state will be the best partner the company has."

Gary Convis, Toyota manufacturing Executive Vice President said: "We are excited for the opportunity to do business in Mississippi and are confident the team members here will have a commitment to perform at the highest possible level. Governor Barbour and the regional economic development team were very convincing and unrelenting in their efforts to showcase the area's advantages."

The company also said they have invested a total of $1.3 billion and they are planning to employ about 2,000 persons to work in the new Mississippi assembly plant.

Other Toyota assembly plants throughout North America include vehicle assembly plants located in Kentucky, Indiana, California, and Texas. Assembly plants in Ontario, Canada and Tijuana, Mexico are also included. Toyota has also several engine plants and other assembly plants producing Toyota parts like exterior car parts.

Who Drove the Tesla Roadster to the Oscars?

Green was the way to go at Sunday's Oscars, where our environment-activist movie star friends rolled up the red carpet in environement-friendly rides.

Global Green USA, an environmental group which has begun the green limousine campaign five years ago at the Oscars to raise awareness among the tens of millions of viewers worldwide about alternative fuel cars, energy independence and solutions to global warming, lined up 30 "green" cars to shuttle the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Davis Guggenheim, director of the Oscar-nominated documentary on global warming "An Inconvenient Truth," to the star-studded ceremony in Hollywood. Al Gore won by the way, for the "An Inconvenient Truth" as Best Documentary Feature.

"The past years we only worked with the hybrid cars and this year we really wanted to promote alternative fuels and different technologies that represent what's next," said Matt Petersen, chief executive of Global Green USA.

Other celebrities and notable individuals participating this year include: Penelope Cruz, Forest Whitaker, Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Ryan Gosling, Gwyneth Paltrow, Al and Tipper Gore, Melissa Etheridge, Davis Guggenheim and Elisabeth Shue, Larry and Laurie David, Lawrence Bender, Scott Z. Burns, Lesley Chilcott.

DiCaprio has previously explained that the green-limo line at the Academy Awards is designed to "educate the public about climate change" while Cruz was quoted as saying in a statement on Global Green USA's website that "There are many simple things that we can all do such as driving greener cars." Yup, like making sure those exhaust parts and emission parts are in excellent shape.

While the ever popular plug-in Prius, an electric supercar, and Compressed Natural Gas vehicles were included in the green fleet, it was the two-seat, scarlet-colored prototype of the Tesla Roadster, invented and financed in Silicon Valley, that was the most coveted car and most drooled-over vehicle pulling up to the red carpet.

Yahoo News reports that 330 celebrities, including George Clooney have already signed up to buy the hot electric car that goes from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 100 kph) in four seconds -- "faster than most Porsches," Tesla Motors vice president Darryl Siry says.

Production will reportedly begin later this year and the base price is $92,000, although the company also is working on a sedan that will cost between $50,000 and $65,000.

I wonder who got to drive the hot Tesla Roadster?

The Most Awaited World Debut of The Audi A5 Coupe

Together with the release of the S5 which will go out on sale this coming November, Audi will also unveil its all-new two-door coupe that will be coming right next to its older brother A4. The new vehicle is the Audi A5. The new car that will be revealing itself at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show and for all you knew, this vehicle is actually based on the platform of the A4 sedan. The new coupe will come in a size that is similar to that of the Audi A4 and will set a friendly competition with the BMW 3 Series coupe.

Although they look similar, the new A5 receives new big-mouth bass grille and the curvy line down the side. It also has been created using a two-door body style. The Audi decided to call it the A4 coupe however that sends waves of confusion to some shoppers.

The two-door A4 is powered by two new engines - the 265-hp, 3.2-liter V-6 and a 170-hp, 1.8-liter four-cylinder turbo unit. The fuel parts include the V-6 with a 10-hp increase over the outgoing A4 but the four-cylinder is actually smaller than the A4. It also confirms that its V6 will be larger than the A4 with manual transmission and later automatic. The new cars will not be available in US yet despite the fact that two diesel power plants are available in Europe. Together with the S5, the new car will be available in showrooms this November.

First Glance at Maserati GranTurismo

Maserati revealed the first internet images of its latest two-door sports car - the GranTurismo. This new vehicle will be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Auto Show this March. Of course, if you are into ultraluxury cars, this one is something you should look forward to.

The super expensive car is Maserati’s significant model that will feature the design of the company’s coupe line up which doesn’t seem to have aged at all. Most car enthusiasts are aware of what a Quattroporte four-door sedan is in Hollywood as most of the stars own this brand but Maserati’s close ties to the Ferrari brand had been able to generate a lot of love from exotic car fans.

What’s underneath its hood? Well, the wildly powerful car owns the 405-hp, 4.2-liter V-8 engine coming from Pininfarina. Styled by Ferrari’s design house, the new exotic car has perfectly distributed its auto body parts with 49% at the front and 51% at the rear. Not only that, you just can t get enough of its automatic transmission with shift paddles for manual gear selecting which will bring chills to your driving.

The price and other specs have not been released yet but I’m sure this new car will sure be a hit. For now, let us just wait till this new car is revealed.

AAA Challenges States to Strengthen GDL Programs

A recent study from the American Automobile Association (AAA), called the “Nationwide Review of Graduated Driver Licensing” shows that US states offering graduated driver licensing (GDL) systems with five out of seven components had significantly reduced the fatality and injuries of car accidents involving teenage drivers.

Robert L. Darbelnet, President and CEO of AAA said:
"Through this study, we have seen that the enactment of laws is key to improving teen driver safety. So, today I am challenging legislators throughout the country to strengthen the GDL systems in their states to include the components that this study shows make a substantial difference in saving teen lives and reducing injuries."

So what exactly are these seven components that AAA talks about? Just check out the following list:

- A minimum age of at least 16 years for receiving a learner's permit.

- A requirement to hold the learner's permit for at least 6 months before receiving a license that allows any unsupervised driving.

- A requirement for certification of at least 30 hours of supervised driving practice during the learner stage.

- An intermediate stage of licensing with a minimum entry age of at least 16 years and 6 months.

- A nighttime driving restriction for intermediate license holders, beginning no later than 10 p.m.

- A passenger restriction for intermediate license holders, allowing no more than one passenger (except family members).

- A minimum age of 17 years for full, unrestricted licensure.

So these seven components should be included in GDL systems for all the states according to AAA. AAA also wants parents to keep their teens from driving at the midst of this new study. Well, I really hope this will reduce car crashes involving teen drivers. (Just like reducing your car’s performance due to damaged auto parts like Borla exhaust, so replace them with new ones.)

Teen Drivers Be More Careful This Winter

This year, the cold winter season seems to be quite endless. And because of this, many motorists and drivers have had their share of bad luck and accidents while they drive from one destination to another.

Also, the American Automobile Association, or the AAA, did also say that teenage drivers is yet another group of motorists who seem to be quite accident prone. Even if the vehicles that they are using come equipped with EBC brakes, the statistics of teen drivers meeting accidents still continue to rise, especially with the winter season still underway.

However, experts do have a weapon against such. Of course, we all do know that anybody could be a statistics. But if your teenager becomes a statistic, now that is something you surely are fearing right now. Anyhow, these experts are saying that as parents, you actually have the power to keep your teens quite far from accidents. One expert even did mention, “Teenagers need good car handling skills and safe attitudes. Only parents can provide the time and restrictions necessary for them to become safer, smarter drivers.”

So what do you do?

Well, here are some tips that you may want to try to teach your teen driver. Who knows? These could actually save your teen’s life.

Do not drive too fast. If there are plenty of cars behind you, there is no need to hurry. To reduce pressure of being late, make sure that you start driving early.

If you are following another vehicle, make sure that there is quite a great distance between the cars. In fact, the normal following distance of three seconds should be even lengthened. Try to add a second or two at the least. This should keep you safer.

When you see ice patches, be more careful. These mostly form among bridges, overpasses, as well as intersections.

However, these may not be enough. If you can just postpone your trip, then just stay home. Also, it is important to keep in mind that when you start to skid, you should not try to brake. Here’s what the expert says, “If your car starts to skid, immediately get off the gas and don't brake. Turn the steering wheel in small increments in the same direction you want the front end to go until you regain control.”

Safety Systems for the 2007 Jeep Patriot

Chrysler Group has recently announced the availability of the 2007 Jeep Patriot crossover SUV and the company said the vehicle is equipped with more than 30 standard advanced safety systems and other security technologies. Well, check this out and you better start counting.

Standard safety and security systems:

* Advanced Multi-stage Air Bags
* All-speed Traction Control
* Anti-lock Brake System with Brake Traction Control
* BeltAlert
* Brake Assist
* Brake/Park Interlock
* Child-protection Rear Door Locks
* Child Seat Anchor System [Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH)]
* Constant Force Retractors (CFR)
* Cross Car Impact Beam
* Crumple Zone
* Dual-phase Steel Rails and Tunnel Reinforcements
* Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM)
* Electronic Stability Program
* Energy-absorbing Steering Column
* Enhanced Accident Response System (EARS)
* Head Restraints
* Height-adjustable Seat Belts
* Hill-descent Control
* Interior Head-impact Protection
* Knee Bolsters
* Structural Safety Cage
* Seat-belt Pretensioners
* Sentry Key(R) Engine Immobilizer
* Side Guard Door Beams in Front and Rear Doors
* Side Occupant Protection System
* Supplemental Side-curtain Air Bags
* Three-point lap Shoulder Seat Belts

Available and optional safety/security features:

* Auto-reverse Sun Roof
* HomeLink Universal Home Security System Transceiver
* Remote Keyless Entry with Illuminated Entry
* Supplemental Seat-mounted Side Air Bags
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPM)
* UConnect(TM) Hands-free Communication System
* Removable/Rechargeable Light-emitting Diode (LED) Flashlight

Meanwhile, Matt Liddane, Chief Engineer of Jeep Patriot said:
"Our engineers have included the latest off-road technology to ensure Jeep Patriot is as solid off-road as it is on-road. Our Jeep Patriot customers can have the confidence of driving a safe and secure vehicle in whatever driving conditions they may encounter."

Taking A Closer Look at The Super Pontiac G8 Interior

The world's famous car brands joined forces to show off their hottest cars. Pontiac is even adding more flame at recently opened Chicago Auto Show as the new and blazing G8 performance sedan finally cracks out of its shell and starts to show off its stuff.

The Pontiac's new G8 was one among the most awaited revelations at the auto show. Viewers have all agreed that the new performance sedan is truly a super car. From its exterior all through its interior, you will see and feel that the car is built to perfection.

Let's all take a closer look at the Pontiac G8 Interior.

The G8 GT show-car grabs a pale yellow dashboard with nice symmetry is covered in leather but the materials and color combination was only made for the auto show. The grippy, thick-rimmed steering wheel that features baseball-style stitching and a squared-off bottom are also made to perfectly fit any handgrips.

The new sedan is also sporting a Blaupunkt audio system which standard on the G8's Australian roots. And just a few spaces you will find the controls for the dual-zone automatic air conditioning system.

The V-8 model gets a nice and short manual shifter that easily changes gear while the V-6 model gets an automatic shifter. The show-car features two-tone leather seats with yellow accents which will be changed to blue and red ones when it finally hits the dealership.

G8's headlights are operated by a knob on the dash as opposed to a steering column stalk.

Chrysler Group Reveals the 2008 Dodge Dakota

DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group division has brought the all-new 2008 Dodge Dakota and unveiled the midsize pickup truck to the crowd at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

Tom Loveless, Director of Dodge Marketing and Global Communications said in a company press release:

“The new 2008 Dodge Dakota was redesigned to broaden its appeal to younger customers with active lifestyles,” said. “Dodge Dakota will attract 25- to 35-year-old individuals who need a vehicle to meet a variety of needs. Depending on an owners’ lifestyle, the 2008 Dodge Dakota may be equipped for work or play, but every Dakota is equipped with capability and versatility.”


For the 2008 model year, Chrysler included new features inside and out including new powertrain components. The 2008 Dodge Dakota is now equipped with a new available 4.7-liter Magnum V8 engine under its hood that pumps out 290 horsepower and produces 325 lb.-ft. of peak torque, coupled with a 5-speed automatic gearbox. What is new for this engine? Well, Chrysler said they have increased the engine’s horsepower output by about 25%, and a 10% increase for the torque output.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota is a great choice in for alternative fuel customers because the 4.7-liter Magnum V8 engine offers flexible fuel vehicle (FFV) capability, allowing the vehicle to run on E85 ethanol fuel. For non-performance oriented customers, the 3.7-liter Magnum V-6 engine will be a standard powertrain for 2008 Dodge Dakota models.

The 2008 Dodge Dakota got some refinement on its exterior appearance, with a new hood design, grille, and front and rear fascia. A host of interior amenities is also offered including SIRIUS Satellite Radio, supplemental side-curtain air bags, headrests, anti lock brakes, DVD navigation system, 508-watt SoundBox system, to name the few.

Although Chrysler Group did not include the pricing specs for the 2008 Dodge Dakota in the press release, the company said the truck will arrive in dealer showrooms nationwide starting this August, so watch out for it.

Details About Saturn’s New 2008 Astra Released Before Chicago Show

Before the New Saturn Astra starts counting the possible thousands of viewers who will be trudging up to the upcoming Chicago Auto Show on February 9, GM already released the latest details of this new hatchback model.

The new five door vehicle receives a 1.8-liter, 140-horsepower engine and turned away GM’s exclusive Ecotec four-cylinder powerhouse. It is said to be available with a five-speed manual as standard equipment, but the four-speed automatic will still be available as an option. It is also matched with wheels that are mounted to roll beneath a wheelbase that measures 103 inches long and 80 inches wide.

Its new interior is filled with two large panel sunroofs, heated seats available in leather or cloth options, an auxiliary 12-volt power outlet, steering wheel mounted audio controls for XR models and an illuminated glove box with damped door actuation. An easy-to-remove rear cargo cover and power door locks with central locking feature and windows express down are other features of the vehicle.

Entertainment is just something you can’t go without so the new hatchback is also installed with a standard six-speaker AM/FM/CD radio available in a seven-speaker sound system. Plus there are options of multi-disc and MP3-capable radios.

The safety system makes sure that it would be something for you. Its rigid body structure comes with safety cage that includes 6 standard airbags, active head restraints, collapsible pedals, safety belts and an exclusive OnStar system that comes up with one year of Safe & Sound service.

The Astra will be available in a couple of trim levels - the five-door XE and the three-door XR trim. They will be available on sale this fall. With all these new Saturn parts and other exemplary features, I truly believe that these cars are a must-have.

Chicago Auto Show Preview: The 2008 Saturn Vue

General Motor’s Saturn division has released the brief details of the redesigned 2008 model year of its Vue midsize crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) that is scheduled to debut at the upcoming 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

Leading the 2008 Vue model range is Saturn’s popular affordable and fuel-efficient Green Line hybrid. The 2008 Saturn Vue Green Line hybrid features a hybrid powertrain technology that combines the power of the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission along with the electric motor/generator. With this powertrain system, the Green Line achieves 45% improved fuel economy than the Vue Red Line.

Meanwhile, the more powerful and high performance 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line now features a new bold and aggressive exterior styling accented by its exterior car parts including a large, lower air opening and projector beam fog lamps, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips, 18-inch alloy wheels, and Red Line badges. New interior components on the Vue Red Line include ebony interior trim, black leather sport seats with suede fabric inserts, Red Line-logo instrument cluster graphics and embroidered floor mats.

Both the Green Line and Red Line variants of the 2008 Saturn Vue are now equipped with new features including:

* MacPherson strut independent front suspension with stabilizer bar
* Independent multi-link rear suspension with stabilizer bar
* Double-isolated engine cradle
* Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS
* GM StabiliTrak electronic stability control with rollover sensing system
* Traction control
* Hydraulically assisted power steering on V-6 models
* Dual-stage frontal air bags, front-seat side thorax air bags and head curtain air bags covering front and rear rows
* Front-row safety belt pretensioners
* Collapsible pedals
* Active head restraints
* OnStar with one year Safe & Sound service

The 2008 Saturn Vue Red Line will roll out in dealer showrooms in the third quarter of 2007, while the Vue Green Line hybrid will arrive in Saturn dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2007. Along with the 2008 Saturn Vue models, Saturn will also showcase the 2008 Astra at the 2007 Chicago Auto Show.

Ford’s First 2007 Sales Decline

Ford wasn’t expecting for better sales this year anyway. After the recently released biggest annual loss in history, the car company is not expecting the sales this January to be better.

From the $1 billion loss they had with the existence counterfeit Ford parts, they are expecting a 20% decline on sales of its new cars and trucks this February 1.

The discontinuation of the Taurus production which has been sold to rental companies explains Ford’s failure on sales. On the other hand, profitable retail sales for customers are expected to take a hit.

According to Ford Chief Analyst George Pipas, the company might lose an enormous drop in sales in several months because of its strategy to shift away from largely unprofitable sales to rental-car companies. So Ford is anticipating a decline in sales not only for the month of January.

Ford even joined a luncheon with automotive journalists last Wednesday to explain all the successes they experienced these past few months. They did explain that what came out of the venture is the failure to increase in sales and substandard financial status.

However, Ford is also making a good move when it comes to its Mercury and Lincoln units which are now recommended by Consumer Reports. The resale values of these vehicles are improving. And almost 15% to 20% of its dealerships nationwide still have not received even one Ford Edge crossover to sell to customers yet.

Ford started distributing the Ford Edge last December 7. The delay, according to the company, was because of the weather. Both the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers are built at the company's assembly plant in Ontario.

Mitsubishi Launches Delica D:5 Minivan

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has recently made the market launch of the fully redesigned Delica D:5 minivan in Mitsubishi dealerships throughout Japan. The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 delivers monobox roominess and utility together with high levels of performance and stability in on- and off-road driving, according to the Japanese automaker.

Although I am not sure if this vehicle will arrive in US showrooms soon, let us see what the Mitsubishi Delica D:5 has in store for our fellow Japanese auto enthusiasts.

All Delica D:5 models are equipped with a standard 2.4-liter 16-valve DOHC MIVEC engine with aluminum die-cast cylinder block, coupled with INVECS-III CVT transmission. The Delica D:5 minivan is equipped with a Triple Panorama Sunroof, along with other exterior components including Active Cornering Light (ACL), 7-spoke alloy road wheels with 225/55R18 tires and 215/70R16 tires on steel wheels with full wheel covers.

Interior features include a cabin lighting system that provides LED indirect lighting to illuminate behind the dashboard center panel, six Multi-use Hooks in the quarter trim, and a choice of Beige and Dark Grey interior color scheme. The Delica D:5 also offer a host of high-level standard safety equipments like Active Stability Control (ASC), SRS dual-stage airbags, SRS knee airbags, and SRS curtain airbags.

Mitsubishi is offering a bunch of optional packages for the Delica D:5, which includes in-car entertainment and other interior amenities like on-board navigation system with 7-inch LCD monitor, Rockford Fosgate premium sound system that uses a 860 Watt amplifier, 12 speakers and 5.1 channel Dolby Digital/ Digital Theater Sound (dts) surround sound technology. A 9-inch wide display screen with built-in DVD/CD player and infrared headphones is also available.

The Delica D:5 minivan has a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of 2,614,500 JPY (about $21,476 USD equivalent) up to 3,412,500 JPY (about $28,031 USD).