There have been a number of announced recalled the past few weeks that affect Dodge Rams, Ford F-150’s, Chevrolet Traverse’s, and a number of Cadillac, Chevrolet and GM SUVs. If your vehicle is listed here, the manufacturer will contact you with information about what to do, or you can use one of the numbers we list below to contact the manufacturer yourself. 2009 Ford F-150 Ford is recalling over 8,700 Ford F-150 trucks due to a problem with the break stop light not illuminating or delayed when brake pedal is depressed. The delay or loss of the light function may increase the risk of an accident. Dealers will inspect the lamp and reinstall it after the proper adjustment. Work will be done free of charge. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332 or at www.ownerconnect.com . 2009 Chevrolet Traverse GM is recalling over 15,000 Chevrolet traverse SUVs for a problem with the park brake cable link. The connector may fracture when the brake pedal is depressed and could result in a crash. Dealers will replace the park brake cable link free of charge. Owners will be notified via mail, but can also contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-4236 or at www.gmownercenter.com . 2009 Dodge Ram Chrysler is recalling over 37,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks due to a problem with the manual temperature control, which can cause the windshield defrosting and defogging functions to not work. This can decrease a driver’s visibility and result in a crash. Dealers will reprogram the HVAC module free of charge. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-835-1403. 2009 Cadillac , Chevrolet and GM vehicles GM is recalling over 27,000 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade Hybrid, ESV and EXT versions, Chevrolet Avalanche, Colorado, Suburban, Tahoe and Tahoe hybrid and GMC Canyon, Yukon, Yukon XL, and Yukon hybrid trucks. The fuel system could have a sealing problem that may cause separation and may allow water to seep in. The water could cause a short, set off a check engine light or diagnostic code or engine may not start, which could increase the risk for a crash. Dealers will install a new fuel system control module free of charge. Owners may contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 and GMC at 1-866-966-9463 or www.gmownercenter.com . Originally posted here:  Recalls:...

We have just learned that the second generation of the smaller Sports Activity Vehicle, BMW X3, will be officially unveiled in December. In a recent interview, Jim O’Donnell, CEO of BMW North America mentioned that the current generation production has been shortened to allow the introduction of the new model early next year.  The next BMW X3 will shortly follow the new BMW X1 which will be released at the end of this year and it will represent BMW’s entry level vehicle in the SAV market. The 2010 BMW X3 will have a roof line slightly lower than the current model and will follow the X5’s steps by getting more round corners and a sportier look. The second generation X3 will be a more dynamic performance oriented Sports Activity Vehicle and it will have larger dimensions than the current model.  It will measure 4.65 meters long, 1.85 meters wide and 1.68 meter tall, offering a more spacious cabin and cargo space than the current generation. All the electronic gadgets seen in other recent BMW models will make their way into the 2010 X3 as well, starting with the Night Vision System, Head-Up Display and continuing with Adaptive Headlights. The interior design has been drastically improved, a much needed upgrade requested by the BMW fans. Two petrol engines will be offered, along with four diesel choices. The petrol engines will most likely be the straight six 3- liter engine and the twin-turbo six that produces 306 hp. The top diesel engine will be same one found in the X5d or 335d sedan. The new BMW X3 will be facing some tough competition from the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK. The base price is expected to be increased as well due to the introduction of the BMW X1. You might also like: Video: 2010 BMW X3 Spy Shots: 2010 BMW X3 2010 BMW 6 Series – Latest information Latest: Next generation BMW 5 Series to get the twin-turbo V8 engine BMW wins two 10 Best Engines awards from Ward’s More here: Latest news: Next generation 2010 BMW X3 will be unveiled in December

So what happens when a racing safety car gets in front of a BMW? Tricky question? No, not really, but I’m sure you’re wondering by now where I’m going with this. During the latest WTCC race in Pau, the Safety Car driver caused one of the ….let’s just say…..most ridiculous racing accidents we have seen. Coming out of the pit and cutting in from of the race cars, the Safety Cars gets hit by a BMW 320si driven by Franz Engstler of Liqui Moly Team. Engstler, a private investor who puts all his money into racing, led the race, until this accident ocurred. If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it’s missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe. The debate on Youtube is whether the Safety Car driver came out and improperly maneuver his car or….should have the BMW driver slowed down more because of the yellow warning yellow. That’s probably irrelevant now and that’s not the scope of this article. You might also like: Video: Racing action with the BMW Z4 Coupé BMW X6 M present at Qatar racetrack as a safety car Amazing video review: BMW M3 vs Mercedes C63 vs Lexus IS-F Video: BMW M3 ALMS Racing BMW Car-2-X Communication improves pedestrian safety Originally posted here: Video: Oopsss…Safety Car Crash

Big day for the U.S auto industry, President Obama has announced new rules for fuel efficiency and emissions that will require require all automakers selling automobiles in the U.S. to increase fleet fuel efficiency by 5% PER YEAR starting in 2012. We have already heard  in the past about the California Zero Emission Vehicles regulation which stipulates that large auto makers have to sell between a few hundred and a few thousand Zero Emission Vehicle every year starting in 2012. The new rules announced today will increase the 2009 model year requirements of 25 mpg to fleet fuel efficiency standard of 35.5 miles  per gallon by model year 2016. This breaks down into the following: fleet fuel efficiency standard for all domestically sold passenger cars will be 39 mpg and 30 mpg for all domestically sold light trucks and SUVs. So, the natural questions arises: where does BMW stand and how will they be affected? Well, we can clearly see now how BMW has positioned itself over the last few years and in our opinion, their odds are very good. We have first seen more and more vehicles being launched under the EfficientDynamics program, with two diesel efficient engines that launched in the U.S . late last year. We have also learned over a year ago about BMW’s plans to introduce four cylinder turbo engines and even quad-turbo four cylinder sometimes in the future. Also, just a few weeks ago, another semi-confirmed rumor appeared: three cylinder engines that will power some of the next generation 1 Series entry models. Despite the fact that the most recent BMW models are being powered by large displacement engines, including the most recent V8 twin-turbo in the X5 M and X6 M, the future generation Motorsport models will use six cylinder engines , either in-line or V6. As far as the MINI brand, we have already seen the first 500 MINI E  electric models being launched part of a pilot in some U.S. states. Future MINI vehicles will also use four cylinder engines, either gasoline or diesel. At the end of this year, BMW will launch the first hybrid SUV/SAC , the X and we predict to see an X5 hybrid next year as well. The 7 Series will also come in a “hybrid flavor”, making the large premium sedan a far more efficient car. Again in our opinion, we will see many...

“Ending our dependence on fossil fuels is the most difficult challenge we have ever faced,” said President Obama yesterday, announcing new national standards for carbon dioxide emissions that will raise fuel economy requirements to 35.5 mpg, combined average for cars and trucks, by 2016. “We have known about the costs of this oil dependence since the gas shortages of the 1970s, and all too little has been done.” Now the administration has brought together a coalition of automakers, environmentalists, state governors, autoworkers, and federal agencies to sign on to the new agreement. The new standards , however, are expected to raise prices by $1,300 per car by 2016, according to an analysis by the Obama administration . That seems like a lot to ask of consumers in such a deep recession. But a new analysis by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) shows that the proposal will actually save the average new-car buyer $500 a year in fuel costs ( read pdf ), assuming gas prices return to $3 a gallon. Overall, the savings could amount to $2,500 over the lifetime of the car. At that rate, they say it would take less than three years for consumers to break even, even with the extra up-front cost of the cars. If gas went to $4 a gallon, consumers would save $650 a year. The Administration also estimates that the new standards will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the cars produced in those years, equivalent to the amount of oil the U.S. imports annually from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Libya, and Nigeria combined. The agreement promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nine million metric tons a year. While the fuel economy standards are slightly lower than those proposed under a California bill that was awaiting federal approval, the potential CO2 savings are far greater because the standard is applied to all cars nationwide. Ten automakers signed on to the agreement, and the executives of those companies stood behind the President as he made the announcement today at a Rose Garden ceremony. The President wryly noted that, “It’s no secret that these are folks who have occasionally been at odds for decades, and embroiled in lawsuits against one another.” Now, he said, “What everyone believes is that status quo is unacceptable.”...

Some new street cred for your Prius? Not everyone likes the look of the Toyota Prius . Somehow, you look just like every other treehugger, right? Just kidding. However, if this is a concern, Modellista is offering a number of aero kits that allow 2010 Prius owners to change the entire face and rear of the car, without having any negative impact on aerodynamics and fuel economy. I’m not sure most current Prius owners would care about such tuner kits for the Prius, however, I think these kinds of kits could help convert younger buyers into hybrid cars like the Prius. Maybe if I buy one, I’ll feel younger?? Original post: Ready to costumize your Prius with an Aero kit?

The Missouri State legislature has passed a bill relaxing that state’s motorcycle helmet law by requiring helmet use only on interstate highways and at all times for riders under the age of 21. If Governor Jay Nixon signs it, Missouri will become the latest state to join a trend of repealing or eliminating mandatory helmet laws. In 1975, 47 states required helmets for all motorcyclists. Now, just 20 do. There has been a direct correlation between increasing motorcycle fatalities and a decline in the number of states requiring helmet use. Furthermore, head injuries have been the leading cause of those deaths. The statistics are eye opening. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 5,000 motorcycle riders were killed in crashes in 2007, the highest number since NHTSA began tracking fatality crash data in 1975. Motorcycle deaths now account for 13 percent of all traffic deaths, even as automotive fatalities have fallen to the lowest levels on record per million miles traveled. Motorcycle injuries were also up by 17 percent in 2007. Increased numbers of motorcycle riders have contributed to some of these grim statistics, but the correlation between relaxed helmet use and increased fatality rates is notable. Florida eased its helmet law on July 1, 2000. Within two years, motorcycle fatalities climbed by 81 percent and hospital admissions for motorcycle riders with head injuries increased by 82 percent. Consumer Reports has long supported helmet use for all motorcycle and motor scooter riders, along with proper training. Motorcycling can be a fun and economical alternative to an automobile for some drivers, as long as you understand and accept the increased risk. If you choose to ride , minimize your risk by wearing full protective gear including a D.O.T. approved full-face helmet, and take a safety course like those offered through the Motorcycle Industry Council. — Jim Travers Read more: Despite risks, Missouri moves to relax motorcycle helmet law

At the Great Designs in Steel seminar in Livonia, MI, the Research and Development team behind the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe was selected as the winner of the annual Automotive Excellence Award. The criteria used for this award was “cost-effective use of ultra high-strength steels that meet new market demands for safety, fuel efficiency and emission standards”. The idea behind Steel Automotive Excellence Award is to recognize individuals or teams who significant contributions to the advancement of steel in the automotive marketplace. Candidates were rated in several categories, including: implementation in production; overall contribution to the advancement of steel; challenges and benefits associated with cost, mass reduction and performance; replacement of competitive materials; and structural performance and efficiency. So why was the controversial BMW X6 chosen for this award? Ron Krupitzer, vice president of automotive applications for AISI’s SMDI, says that “The BMW X6 utilizes steel solutions that add to its unique, sporty design and meet new crash-test requirements, without sacrificing safety or increasing its weight. BMW’s innovative use of ultra high-strength steel technologies has resulted in a vehicle that is safe, lightweight, environmentally friendly and offers the best fuel economy in its class.” BMW uses unique processing technologies and several complex, ultra high-strength steel grades in its design. The vehicle features a steel structure and steel side frames, panels, rear and B-Pillar reinforcements and longitudinal rear member, which improve cost, performance, reduce weight and meet Insurance Institute for Highway Safety side-impact crash test requirements. While the idea behind the X6 SAC has always been somewhat criticized by the mass, no one has really disputed so far the performance, handling and technology that the X6 brings to the table. Many of the voices opposing the X6 models were focused on mostly the design and also the need of such vehicle in the current BMW line-up. Despite all of this, BMW has been satisfied with the last year X6 sales and confirmed many times that the Sports Activity Coupe is not a volume seller, but rather a niche model with its own clientele. Bottom line: congratulations...

Daimler AG has acquired an equity stake of nearly 10% of Tesla Motors Inc. This investment deepens the relationship between the two companies. They have already been working closely to integrate Tesla’s lithium-ion battery packs and charging electronics into the first 1,000 units of Daimler’s electric smart car. In order to benefit from each other’s know-how, the investment enables the partners to collaborate even more closely on the development of battery systems, electric drive systems and in individual vehicle projects. “Our strategic partnership is an important step to accelerate the commercialization of electric drives globally,” said Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Daimler AG, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. “As a young and dynamic company, Tesla stands for visionary power and pioneering spirit. Together with Daimler’s 120 years of experience in the automotive sector this collaboration is a unique combination of two company’s strengths. This marks another important milestone in Daimler’s strategy for sustainable mobility.” Note: There is a rating embedded within this post, please visit this post to rate it. “Daimler has set the benchmark for engineering excellence and vehicle quality for more than a century. It is an honor and a powerful endorsement of our technology that Daimler would choose to invest in and partner with Tesla,” said Tesla CEO and Product Architect Elon Musk. “Daimler is also on the leading edge in the field of sustainable mobility. Among others the lithium-ion pouch-cell battery developed by Daimler and especially designed for automotive applications is of interest to us. We are looking forward to a strategic cooperation in a number of areas including leveraging Daimler’s engineering, production and supply chain expertise. This will accelerate bringing our Tesla Model S to production and ensure that it is a superlative vehicle on all levels.” Together on the road to electro-mobility As part of the collaboration, Prof. Herbert Kohler, Vice President E-Drive and Future Mobility at Daimler AG, will take a seat on Tesla’s board of directors. This long-term partnership with Tesla complements Daimler’s multi-facetted strategy to advance the electrification...

Last summer, we saw record high gas prices that sent many consumers trading in their gas guzzlers to buy hybrids and some choosing to ride motorcycles and scooters . Then in the fall, prices went back to more wallet-friendly levels (below $2) and our minds shifted to other issues such as the recession, housing crisis, government bailout of Chrysler and GM , dealer closures , and a variety of economic stimulus packages including the Cash for Clunkers bill. Now, as we head into the Memorial Day holiday this weekend, gas prices are back in the headlines. While prices aren’t expected to jump anywhere near the record levels of last summer, they have been quietly inching up. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts gas prices to average $2.21 this summer–$1.60 less than last year. Crude oil is projected to be $53 a barrel, down from the average $100 a barrel in 2008. However, since the beginning of May, gas prices have been creeping up with the largest increase last week when prices rose 16 cents from the week prior to $2.24. Due to the economy, petroleum demand has been weak and that has kept prices low and has forced refineries to cut their inventory. But new signs are showing that we are nearing the end of the recession and consumer confidence is growing. Low gas prices generated a rebound in demand during February and March. A Reuters/University of Michigan survey found that consumer confidence rose in May above economists’ expectations. So, we are at a time where demand is increasing while oil supply is low. What about diesel? Historically diesel prices have been less than gasoline, but since September 2004, the price of diesel has been generally higher primarily due to strong worldwide demand. However, last week marked a turning point when the average diesel price fell below that of regular fuel. Key factors for this shift are that diesel fuel consumption is declining in the U.S., plus there is a worldwide decrease in usage as well as output. The demand weakness combined with a recovery in gasoline consumption has caused a shift in price. The lower diesel price isn’t expected to stay as diesel is projected to average $2.27 a gallon this summer—six cents higher than gasoline. For 2009 the average gas price is expected to be $2.17 and 2010...

BOOM! That sound you heard was Tesla getting vindication and Mercedes announcing what could be the most important automotive partnership in a very long time. Today, Daimler, parent company of Mercedes, announced that they have acquired a stake in Tesla motors, darling of the EV car set, and that they will also be exchanging technologies. Is this the deal that will put electric vehicles on the map for real? Daimler took an equity stake of “nearly 10 percent” in Tesla Motors, and they are already planning to use some of Tesla’s technology when the German company launches the electric Smart ForTwo later this year. Company officials said that the deal would provide Daimler with batteries and the know-how needed to bring an electric car to market “at the highest possible speed,” What does Tesla get out of all this? A big pile of cash and, possibly, the parts and engineering expertise it needs to build the Model S sedan. “Tesla brings expertise in the battery electric front. Daimler brings expertise in everything else. This will be a very productive relationship where both Tesla and Daimler benefit,” said Tesla CEO Elon Musk during a press conference from Daimler’s headquarters in Stuttgart. Details of the deal were few and far between, but Daimler officials said its investment is “a double-digit million sum for a nearly 10 percent stake in Tesla Motors.” Not only does Daimler get a 10% stake, but the vice president of E-Drive and Future Mobility at Daimler, Herbert Kohler, takes a seat on Tesla’s board of directors. They will also provide components and engineering assistance to Tesla, presumably to aid in the development of the Model S sedan Tesla unveiled in March. “We are about to combine the best of old and new school. We are both deeply convinced that electric powertrains will play a major role in sustainability mobility,” said Thomas Weber, director of group research at Daimler. This looks like it’s going to be very, very interesting. Here’s the press release: Strategic partnership: Daimler acquires stake in Tesla STUTTGART, Germany, and SAN CARLOS, Calif.,May 19, 2009 German automaker acquires nearly 10 percent of one of the leading electric vehicle companies * Automakers agreed...

BMW Group is organizing driver trainings in Namibia, which enables anyone to test the BMW X5 in various situations across South West Africa on a 1,200 kilometer trip. Participants will not only drive, with the help of a roadbook and GPS, through canyons, dried river deltas and across steep mountain passes, but will also experience the African wildlife. BMW decided to “show off” the impressive, but sometimes overlooked, off-road capabilities of the X5 and launched some videos showing footage of the BMW X5 on an adventure trip in Namibia driving through deep sand, river banks, mountains and on gravel roads. If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it’s missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe. If you can see this, then you might need a Flash Player upgrade or you need to install Flash Player if it’s missing. Get Flash Player from Adobe. I haven’t had a chance to drive the X5 off-road, but future plans have us going to the Spartanburg Performance Center and take the X5 through the improvised obstacle course. You might also like: Video: Garage419 reviews the BMW 750Li Driving a twin-turbo 6 cylinder? Get the software update Amoco Contest: Win a trip to 24 Hours at LeMans, France Newest and most amazing videos with the 2009 BMW Z4 Texting while driving – now illegal in California Read more:  BMW X5 Adventure Trip Namibia – Driving in the mountains

Going through our inbox this beautiful Tuesday morning, the fine gentlemen at MEC Design sent us details of a new body kit they’ve created for the Mercedes S-Class. Up front, you’ll notice a new front apron is in place which features your choice of either fog lights and driving lights or a mesh insert, while in the back, a new rear diffuser and one piece rear spoiler are both present. Also featured on the kit is new side skirts and an MEC Design Electronic Lowering Module which lowers the S-Class between 40 and 70 millimeters, as is an MEC Design exhaust system with chrome tips. Read more here:  New Mercedes-Benz S-Class Body Kit Unveiled By MEC Design

One can call the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class many things, but naming it “the best looking car in the world” is, by any stretch of the imagination, certainly wishful thinking. How, you ask, was it determined that the new E-Class is the best looking car in the world? I’m glad you asked. First, the German publication AUTO BILD asked its readers to vote for the best looking car in each of five categories, with the prerequisite being that all of the vehicles must have made their debut in the last year. Then, some 100,000 readers responded, voting the 2010 E-Class Coupe winner in the “Coupe and Cabriolet” category and bestowing the 2010 E-Class sedan with top honors in the overall ranking. Based on this highly scientific, one-hundred percent definitive study, Daimler arrived at the only conclusion that one could derive from a study of this type: that the E-Class business saloon is “the most attractive new car in the world.” Read more from the original source: New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Voted Best Looking New Car By AUTO BILD

Spring 2009 sees the GLK receive not only a number of new items of equipment but also a special distinction: compact and distinctive, it is the first Mercedes-Benz SUV model family to receive the sought-after Environmental Certificate in accordance with ISO standard 14062. In awarding the certificate, the independent specialists at the TÜV test organisation have once again recognised the company’s commitment to environmental protection, as also laid down in the policy guidelines for the entire Daimler Group. These require the premium manufacturer to go much further than merely considering the environmental effects which a vehicle has while it is actually in use. Instead, the entire lifecycle from development through the production process and the use phase right up to disposal is examined and optimised. The Environmental Certificate is based on a complete life cycle assessment of the GLK which comprises some 40,000 separate processes. In addition to the GLK, the A, B, C and S-Class models have already been awarded the TÜV Süd Environmental Certificate. See the rest here:  The Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class Awarded TUV Environmental Certificate