BMW is recalling 1.6 million 3-series cars globally for a front-passenger air-bag defect that has caused automakers including Toyota and Nissan to repair millions of vehicles.
German automaker BMW said today it is recalling about 1.6 million cars worldwide to replace passenger-side front airbags made by Takata Corp. because the inflators could break apart during deployment and injure passengers.
News
19 Jul, 2014
British motorists abroad are snubbing insurance excess waivers on their rental cars, leaving themselves open to big bills.
BMW said it will raise capacity at its two Chinese plants by a third to 400,000 cars over the next two years and double the range of locally-made vehicles to six models.
Britain's Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), is emphasising "stability" despite this week's dramatic UK political reshuffle that saw Business Minister, Michael Fallon, depart to become Secretary of State for Defence.
News
16 Jul, 2014
Exclusive pictures and full details on the new two and four-seater Smart cars
The new-generation Smart ForFour and ForTwo will be unveiled today. The arrival of the ForFour gives the Daimler subsidiary a second model in its portfolio for the first time since 2006.
The new-generation Smart ForFour and ForTwo will be unveiled today. The arrival of the ForFour gives the Daimler subsidiary a second model in its European portfolio for the first time since 2006.
Jaguar Land Rover said its global sales increased 14 percent to 240,372 vehicles in the first six months, its best half year to date, boosted by robust demand in China.
South Africa's Steel and Engineering Industries Federation (SEIFSA), says it has "exhausted" its mandate to talk to striking workers as mass industrial unrest continues to affect the country's automotive sector.
News
16 Jul, 2014
Diesel powered RS models and even a diesel R8 supercar are real possibilities for Audi
Former Ford chief Alan Mulally, who retired 1 July, has been appointed to the board of Google and will also take a seat on the audit committee. The appointment was effective from 9 July, Google said in a statement.
News
16 Jul, 2014
Audi has revealed ambitious plans to grow its model range from 49 to 60 variants within six years
Experts have differing views on what to do with the mountain of data that is likely to be generated by autonomous vehicles when computers control much of our cars' functions in the future.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seriously considering a proposal that would require all manufacturers to test their vehicles on the road and not just inside labs to verify mileage claims.
"At this early stage, it is premature for us to speculate on what form a proposal may take," the agency said in a statement. "EPA will engage interested stakeholders proactively before making any proposal."
The EPA is aiming for more realistic fuel ratings so as to avoid frequent consumer complaints. Air resistance and rolling friction are just some of the factors that should be taken into account.
“Some automakers already do this [type of real-world testing], but we are establishing a regulatory requirement for all automakers,” Chris Grundler, director of the EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality, told The Wall Street Journal.
The proposal also would make it difficult for automakers to manipulate lab results to deliver higher mileage claims, the newspaper read. Right now, most fuel economy tests are performed by automakers, and the information is later shared with and reviewed by the EPA.
You may recall that Ford, Kia, and Hyundai had to revise their own fuel ratings on many vehicles after discovering significant disparities between real-world numbers and those posted on the sticker.
Source : autonews.com
There are cost-saving measures, and then there's this: Volkswagen has a plan to cut yearly expenses by $7.3 billion until 2017 in order to increase profits and remain competitive.
With “Future Tracks,” the German automaker is targeting savings by lowering purchasing expenses, reducing complexity, and cutting factory costs.
Non-profitable vehicles may be axed, too. Volkswagen currently sells 310 models worldwide, and with ever-changing consumer needs, the company says it must have the courage to make tough decisions and abandon certain projects. Convertibles are one possibility.
At the same time, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn is focusing on profitability with sales at an all-time high. His goal is to launch 100 new or redesigned vehicles through next year as part of a larger effort to dethrone Toyota as the world's top-selling automaker by 2018.
Source : autonews.com
The face of Hyundai dealers is about to be revamped as part of the Global Dealership Space Identity (GDSI) initiative, which aims to match the refined, sophisticated new vehicles the company will be introducing in the near future.
Most importantly, the dominant, blue-and-white exterior colours found on current Hyundai dealerships will be replaced with a bronze-coloured roof structure.
However, the company's signature blue hue will remain as an accent colour throughout the interior of the dealership, where you'll also find modern, premium furniture, customer lounges, as well as new, digital kiosks, tablets, and wheel stands. Plants and indoor trees will help bring natural elements into the showroom space.
"The automotive industry is filled with brands that adhere to primary colours such as blue or red, and it's time for Hyundai dealerships to stand-out among the competition the same way Hyundai vehicles stand-out on the road," said Don Romano, President and CEO for Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
The new look originated in the company's home market of South Korea, but will begin appearing in Canada with Hyundai dealerships already under construction or renovation. For existing dealerships, the new look will be rolled-out progressively, Romano explained.
Hyundai currently has 211 dealerships across Canada, but hasn't specified which ones will be the first to embody that new image.
Source : Hyundai Canada
As a precaution, BMW today announced its intent to voluntarily recall all 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series vehicles produced between May 1999 and August 2006 to replace the passenger-side front airbag.
The number of potentially affected vehicles is approximately 574,000 in the U.S. and more than 40,000 in Canada.
This is also a voluntary extension of the recall campaign announced in May 2013, which involved 42,000 units.
Potential problems with the airbag inflator which may rupture in vehicles produced by other manufacturers using similar systems from the same supplier have become evident in rare cases. BMW is not aware of a case involving a BMW vehicle, though.
Owners will receive a notification by mail.
Source : press.bmwgroup.com
On July 26-27, Ford of Canada will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic Mustang by hosting one of the largest gatherings of Ford Mustangs in Ontario.
With the help of the Golden Horseshoe Mustang Association and the Greater Toronto Area Mustang Club, hundreds of Mustangs from all generations — including the all-new 2015 Ford Mustang — will line up at Ford of Canada's headquarters in Oakville.
Fans will get quite an eyeful from the vintage and custom pony cars on display. They will also get to talk about the shared passion that fuels their love for the Mustang.
The 2-day event will include cruise convoys, displayed show cars, live musical performances, and an award ceremony for the show's most impressive ride.
Be there!
Source: Ford of Canada
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Photo: Ford |