August 2010

Kia unveils electric city concept car

(August 18, 2010) Kia toady unveiled a three-seat electric city concept car called the Pop.

The zero-emissions car, which measures about 117 inches in length, will be shown at the Paris Auto Show next month.

Porsche launches My Classic Porsche Search and My Porsche Passion Contest

(August 18, 2010) ATLANTA — The joy of driving a classic Porsche is sufficient reward for most enthusiasts, but owning the oldest Porsches in America could bring some very real awards during the company’s 60th anniversary year in the United States.

To celebrate six decades of American Porsche passion, Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) has launched the My Classic Porsche Search. This national search will focus on finding the oldest Porsches in 12 distinctive model categories, as well as the very oldest Porsche of all.

Mazda recalls 290,000 vehicles for power-steering problem

(August 17, 2010) Mazda is recalling more than 290,000 2007-2009 Mazda3 and Mazda5 models for a power-steering problem.

According to a National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) release, these vehicles may have a condition in which a "sudden loss of power steering assist could occur at any time while driving the vehicle."

Buick, Lincoln-Mercury lead in customer satisfaction survey

(August 18, 2010) ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Customer satisfaction with domestic
automobiles has shown resilience despite an overall decline for the industry, according to a report released today by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).

Ford Edge reaches 400,000 sales

(August 17, 2010) DEARBORN, Mich. —Sales of Ford Edge, which arrived on the market in late 2006, hit 400,000 this weekend — more than any midsize crossover vehicle during the same period.

Also this past weekend, the new 2011 Ford Edge began shipping from Oakville Assembly Complex in Ontario to dealerships across the United States and Canada.

GM recalls 243,403 crossovers for safety belt inspection

(August 17, 2010) DETROIT — General Motors is voluntarily conducting a safety recall for 2009-2010 models of the Chevrolet Traverse, Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia and Saturn Outlook to inspect second-row safety belts for damage that in rare cases could make an occupant think the belt is properly latched when it isn’t.

LaHood calls for lap-shoulder belts for all bus passengers

(August 16, 2010) U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced a proposal that would require new motorcoaches to have lap-shoulder belts to help prevent driver and passenger ejections during a collision. The proposed rule will take effect three years after the final rule is issued.

"We're committed to making sure that motorcoach travelers reach their destinations safely," said LaHood. "Seat belts save lives, and putting them in motorcoaches just makes sense."

NHTSA investigating complaint of steering loss in one Kia Soul

(August 16, 2010) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says on its website today that it's opened a preliminary inquiry into possible steering loss in the 2010 Kia Soul, the maker's hip box of a car. About 50,000 are on the road.

Dodge releases teaser shots of its new Durango

(August 16, 2010) Dodge confirmed on Monday that its SUV will continue to be called the Durango. There had been rumors that it would wear a Magnum nameplate. And it released some teaser photos.

Sinkhole survivor replaces Escalade with almost identical model

(August 16, 2010) MILWAUKEE — Lance Treankler, who lost his 2007 Cadillac Escalade to a sinkhole, is again behind the wheel of his favorite vehicle thanks to Metropolitan Cadillac and Cadillac’s Certified Pre-owned program.