Toyota recalling 1.53 million cars internationally

Toyota is recalling 1.53 million Lexus, Avalon and other models, mostly in the U.S. and Japan, for brake fluid and fuel pump troubles, the newest in a string of worth lapses for the world's No. 1 automaker.

Toyota Motor Corp. said Thursday it will call back for repairs about 740,000 cars in the U.S. and 599,000 in Japan. The remainder is in Europe and other markets around the globe.

Over the past year, Toyota has recalled more than 10 million cars and trucks worldwide for a variety of troubles, from faulty gas pedals and floor mats that can trap accelerators, to braking problems in its Prius hybrid. In August, Toyota called back 1.33 million Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks in the U.S. and Canada as their engines may possibly stall.

The majority of vehicles this time around require to be fixed for a problem with the brake master cylinder, which could direct to weaker braking power, said spokesman Paul Nolasco in Tokyo.

The release said a small amount of the brake fluid could gradually leak from the brake master cylinder, resulting in enlightenment of the brake warning lamp.

Toyota will report owners around the world by mail to come for repairs at no charge, Nolasco said.

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Toyota enlarges Prius lineup to three hybrid models

Earlier this year when Toyota inked a partnership with Tesla to build up plug-in cars, many thought that it would be the end of the line for their hybrid technology establish in their wildly successful Prius. Toyota is appearing to spin off the Prius as a sub-brand of sorts with two new hybrid models by the end of 2012.

A major beef that car buyers have when it comes to hybrids is size. While the standard Prius model presents ample space to take some everyday stuff, it isn’t always appropriate for growing families. One of the new models in the lineup will address the concern with 50% more room than the 2011 Prius and the capability to seat seven people. The design won’t be a reinterpretation of the Prius as a monster SUV but rather a mixture of a Prius and a station wagon as speckled by DailyTech.

In addition the present Prius and new plus-sized model, there will also be a more compact version of the hybrid. There are questions if the minor model will be more equivalent in design to the Yaris or the FT-CH concept car that was shown off at the Detroit Auto Show.

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New Lotus Elan discovered

Lotus puts its crosshairs on the Porsche 911 with its new Elan sports car.

The Elan has been through a few embodiments since the first one appeared back in 1962 as a front engined, rear wheel-drive roadster. A short foray into front wheel-drive for Lotus bring back the Elan badge in 1989, however by the time the third generation goes on sale in 2013, the name will be over 50 years old.

Together with the Esprit, the Elan will be the foremost of the new Lotus' to go on sale and its timing and positioning is conscious. It's designed to go head to head with the Porsche 911 - arguably the toughest task that any of Lotus' five latest sports cars faces.

The aspire here, according to Lotus, is everyday usability and versatility with high-quality refinement, but a weight of no more than 1300kg in spite of the fact it uses a seven-speed double clutch gearbox and optional KERS system, providing a more power boost.

As a result the engine is probable to deliver less than 200g/km of CO2, whilst propelling the Elan to 60mph in under 4sec (3.5 in the case of the R). Of all the cars Lotus is developing, it's this one that has the toughest task, in undertaking the Porsche 911.

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Lotus disclose five new models

Lotus surprised everybody at the Paris Motor Show and revealed five new models. These new models are Lotus Elise, Lotus Elite, Lotus Esprit, Lotus Elan and Lotus Eterne will all be on sale by 2016.

The new Lotus line up ranges from a four door grand tourer the Lotus Eterne to the lightweight sports cars that Lotus are eminent for. All the new models will exploit hybrid technology.

The Lotus Eterne will be powered by a 5.0 litre forced induction V8 engine with 610bhp and competent of a top speed of 196mph. The Lotus Elise will utilize a 2.0 litre four cylinder engine with 316bhp and the Lotus Elan will have a 4.0 litre V6 engine plus the choice of being a two seater or a two plus two.

The Lotus Elite will be offered in 2014, this will be a rear wheel drive and also present two plus two seating, it will be powered by a 5.0 litre V8 engine and have a retractable hard top. There is also the go back of the Lotus Esprit supercar this will have a 610bhp V8 engine and will be capable of 0 to 60mph in just 3.4 seconds. Prices for this model are likely to begin at £110,000.

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Hyundai discloses Four New models for Europe

This year’s Paris Motor Show saw Hyundai’s stand raise 66 percent, with a total of 18 models on exhibit. This is a company on grow and the Japanese giants should be more than a little concerned.

The all-new sub-compact ix20 made its globe debut. This is an immense looking sports mini-van, which differentiates itself from the ‘boxy’ styles already in market.

Red Bull have even sponsored New Zealand born drift king, Rhys Millen, in a race spec Hyundai Genesis Coupe, which he troop to a world record run at the overwhelming Pikes Peak in 2009.

Hyundai have built a new Pikes Peak contender, the PM 580, looking more similar to an LMP1 car, also powered by Genesis, in an effort to break the 10-minute barrier.

The fourth and final new model on show this year at the Hyundai stand is the ix35 Blue with an extra competent and brand new 1.7-litre diesel engine, which release just 135 g/km of C02 as a benefactor of the company’s efficient ‘Blue Drive’ technologies.

Joining the ix35 Blue is a ‘mild diesel hybrid’ version of the SUV, which will produce even less C02 than it’s green ix35 sibling at just 117 g/km.

The irony is that today’s skeptics of this powerhouse Korean brand will most probable be tomorrow’s Hyundai drivers.

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Paris Motor Show 2010: five latest models from Lotus

Lotus stuns Paris showgoers with a handful of new models and gravely ambitious plans for the future.

Lotus astonished everybody on Paris Motor Show Press day by unveiling not just one, but five new models.

The Norfolk-based sports car manufacturer declares that the Elise, Elite, Esprit, Elan and Eterne will all be on sale by 2016.

The aspire is that the new model line-up, which ranges from a four-door grand tourer (the Eterne) to the type of lightweight sports cars Lotus is prominent for will make the brand a rival for the likes of Porsche. All will use hybrid technology, and as if all that wasn't sufficient, Lotus also revealed a concept city car.

Lightweight they may be, but the development of the new cars will see Lotus abandon any notion of being a brand that's accessible to buyers lacking huge budgets. Prices for the next Elise (scheduled to arrive in 2015) are set to be around £35,000, rather than the £27,450 for the current entry-level model, while the rest of the model range will be priced between £75,000 to £120,000.

The money to construct these cars is reported to be coming from parent company Proton. Investment will total £770-million over the next decade and comprise total redevelopment of the Hethel factory. Production there will rise from the current level of sub-3,000 cars per year to 6,000-7,000.

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Nissan Townpod 2010 Concept

Nissan Townpod gives a simple platform, which each user can independently tune to their own peculiar requirements. Be they a musician transporting their kit between gigs, a delicatessen proprietor dispenses their wares or an architect carrying drawings to a client, each one can adapt the interior of their Nissan Townpod by proprietary as well as third-party sourced accessories.

Not so many years ago the car's essential remit might have been to get a single occupant to work five days a week, have enough trunk space for a weekly trip to the supermarket and sufficient seats to transport a nuclear family to the coast for a long weekend. More recently, classic sedans and estates have progressed into hatchbacks, MPVs, SUVs and now crossovers, all designed for particular segments of the population, but none tailored to the specific desires of individuals who cannot be, and certainly strive to not be, so easily pigeon-holed.

François Bancon, general manager of Nissan's Exploratory and Advance Planning Department, elaborates, "Only they know what is necessary for their lives, so it is logical that they should be the ones who establish the ultimate specification of their cars. For them an off-the-shelf solution is not sufficient and the best-equipped people to tailor-make their cars are themselves. What is more informative is that Nissan Townpod users do not be grateful for stereotypes or status symbols, for them the ultimate status is to have no status."

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2011 Hyundai Tucson Arrives at Fredericksburg Hyundai Dealership

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson, which features a new entry level model and even more standard features, has arrived at Pohanka Hyundai. The Fredericksburg Hyundai dealership is excited to have the newest model in stock.

The biggest change for the 2011 Hyundai Tucson is the addition of a new entry level GL mode and more standard equipment. The GL model has a new 2.0-liter Theta II four-cylinder engine and is only available in front-wheel drive with either a 6-speed automatic transmission or 5-speed manual transmission. The GL achieves 23 city mpg and 31 highway mpg, one mpg better than the 2.4L engine.

The next model, the GLS, now received new features once found only in the additional Popular Equipment Package. These now standard features are 17-inch alloy wheels, tilt and telescopic steering wheel with audio and cruise controls, Bluetooth, leatherette bolster/cloth insert seats, body-color door handles and side mirrors, privacy glass and roof rails.

Starting at just under $19,000 the 2011 Hyundai Tucson is an affordable option for a safe, reliable car. The Tucson remains on to maintain its 2010 title of Safety Pick of the Year, as the 2011 model is equipped with top of the line safety equipment including Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control System, six airbags, and Hillstart Assist Control. Safety features are standard on all models.

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Hyundai Sonata evoke, Caused by Steering Problems

Surprise, another car recall that’s precise, continuing with the trend, Hyundai has issued a Hyundai Sonata recall that comprises around 140,000 units sold in the USA alone.

The problem with the cars appears to be in the steering. It has been stated that no accidents relating to the matter have been reported, so for at present, the company is recalling the vehicles as a precaution gauge.

The pretentious cars in the Hyundai Sonata recall are models manufactured since 2009. This is the best-selling model of the South Korean car maker in the USA. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has begun this recall.

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Nissan, Renault to mutually develop platform for 10 car models

Japan's Nissan Motor and its partner Renault of France will jointly expand a platform for at least 10 models of to cut suppliers and procurement costs, the Nikkei business daily said.

The two companies, tactics to design the common platform for medium-sized sport utility vehicles and sedans, also plan to regulate 70 key components, as well as windows and brakes, the news report said.

Nissan and Renault make the Micra at a joint venture in India.

Nissan's X-Trail and Dualis SUVs and Renault's Fluence sedan and Megane are with the models that will share the platform and components.

The common platform and standardized parts will be used in vehicles beginning 2013 and will account for about 1.5 million units a year -- approximately a quarter of the total that the two automakers sold internationally last year, Nikkei said.

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Lotus to reveal four new models next week

Lotus Group International Ltd, a completely owned subsidiary of Proton Holdings Bhd, will unveil four fresh sports car models at the 2010 Paris Motor Show next week.

Lotus will expose four new models, two of which are prelaunch models called the Lotus Elite and the Esprit and it is an important models for lotus, at the car show in France.

The models will propel Lotus into the upper segment of the sports car market, and assist the company tap into a new group of buyers who choose more contented and practical sports cars that can be used for everyday driving in its place of the current line-up of sports cars that are designed for track racing.

For example, the Lotus Elite is a four-seater instead of the present sports cars by Lotus which are two-seaters and which are not extremely practical for everyday use.

The new models are part of Lotus’ turnaround plan to provide a lift to its brand and image. Its management also hopes that the unveiling of the new models at the Paris Motor Show will allay criticism of Proton investing a lot in Lotus.

However, automotive analysts told The Edge Financial Daily that they would rather wait for Lotus to create results in terms of sales before building any predictions on the impact of its latest move on Proton.

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South Korea's Hyundai initiates Saint Petersburg plant

South Korea's Hyundai Motor on Tuesday initiated its first plant in Russia, joining a rush of foreign automakers to Saint Petersburg in spite of a sharp drop in sales during crisis-hit 2009.

At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin applauded Hyundai's 500-million-dollar (380-million-euro) investment in the Russian plant since the begin of its construction ahead of the crisis in 2008.

"This happened throughout the heat of the financial crisis, but Hyundai did not limit its plans, on the contrary," Putin said.

Hyundai said it expected to begin production in January 2011 and to reach an annual capacity of 105,000 units by the end of that year and 150,000 units in 2012.

Hyundai "plans to produce 5,300 jobs by 2012 in Saint Petersburg... and furthermore, add to the advancement of Russians automotive industry by developing and supporting local automotive parts manufacturers," company chairman Chung Mong-koo said in a statement.

Hyundai is the newest of a slew of foreign auto companies to start plants in Saint Petersburg in recent years, as well as Japan's Toyota, Nissan and Suzuki as well as US companies Ford and General Motors.

Russian car sales increased for the first time since October 2008 this summer, according to the Association of European Businesses (AEB), a lobby group that compiles monthly information.

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Paris Motor Show: Maserati GranTurismo Stradale exposed

The 2010 Paris Motor Show later this month will see the lightest, fastest and the most influential car that Maserati has ever offered folks. Built taking in motivation from the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the race-winning GT4 motorsport models, the car will slickly surpass the 300 km/h speed limit.

A 4.7 -L V8 engine kicks in at 444 hp in the new model called the GranTurismo MC Stradale at the same fuel efficiency as the earlier GranTurismo S gave at 433 hp. It mixes the needs of a racing experience with a street openness and in a way, reminds us of the classic Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale. Good thing Maserati decided to obtain associated with Ferrari, we conclude.

The MC Stradale currently features an upgraded front end, which relates a sharper grille and lower bumper. New side skirts and lightweight permit wheels add to the sports-car look. Among the stuff that Maserati determined to hold on to was the six-speed robotized manual gearbox.

Scheduled for a spring 2011 commence in the UK, the car will be yours for about £105,000, a 20 per cent trek on what the S commanded.

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Electric vehicle support scheme declared

A new customer support scheme is being commenced for drivers of electric vehicles in the north-east.

The regional development agency One North East has created the Charge Your Car scheme, which will educate motorists about where they can accuse their electric vehicles in their local area.

Due to launch on October 1st, the initiative will give drivers with tags to access charging points, as well as free parking while charging takes place.

Elektromotive, which has supplied 200 of the 1,300 points due to be installed in the region, is sustaining the scheme.

Dr Colin Herron, manufacturing and productivity manager at One North East, said: "To make sure this dynamic new industry can develop to its full potential it is very important that we make sure there are no barriers preventing drivers from making the switch to low carbon transport."

Earlier this year, it was announced that the government is supporting the electric car industry in the UK with a £20 million grant for Nissan.

The Japanese car manufacturer will be making parts for its electric vehicles in its plant in Sunderland.

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EcoBoost upcoming to Entire Ford Lineup, 247-hp 2012 Ford Focus ST Airs

Ford's EcoBoost packages existing engine developments into a cohesive package for fuel economy and power.

Turbocharging and gasoline direct injection (GDI) have been around for some time currently, but periodically included on various models. Ford took these technologies and other engine refinements and created the EcoBoost brand name which it relates to its new forced induction gasoline engines.

Ford this week let slip a few details on one of the upcoming models that will receive EcoBoost -- the Ford Focus. The EcoBoost-packing variant will be showcased at the Paris Motor Show, which is available on this month.

As the 2012 Ford Focus Electric (a battery-electric-vehicle) is stealing most of the headlines these days, the EcoBoost-ed 2012 Ford Focus ST is certain to turn some heads as well. The vehicle is the successor to the recent international model and will put back the current North American-exclusive model, part of Ford phase-out its North American-exclusive designs.

It packs an EcoBoost 2.0 L inline-four cylinder engine that makes 247 hp. When the car is officially revealed in Paris we should hear more about the torque and target gas mileage.

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2011 Chevrolet Captiva Facelift discovered

Chevrolet announced that one of their most recent premieres at the upcoming Paris Motor Show will be the new edition of Captiva Crossover.

The new car comes with a new look at front which is based on the new design language that also created the 2011 Aveo.

2011 Captiva’s interior is also very smart and can be adapted to seat five to seven people. That makes it very appropriate for the European market, for which it was built in the first place; ans so does its on-demand all-wheel-drive system.

2011 Chevy Captiva comes with three new powerful engines that will come as standard with a fresh manual or automatic six-speed transmission. There’s a 2.4-litre dual overhead cam gasoline unit with changeable valve timing, developing 171 hp, and two 2.2 litre common rail turbo-charged diesel units with 163 and 184 hp.

The passengers will be feeling very protected inside the Captiva as it comes with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS) and Braking Assist System (BAS) standard, as well as front-, side- and curtain airbags.

The new Captiva will be commenced in Europe in Spring of 2011.

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Paris auto show: Chevy Cruze hatch set for disclose

Chevrolet is using the Paris auto show to roll out a five-door version of the Cruze, its much-anticipated little car.

The Cruze rides on General Motors' worldwide compact underpinnings called Delta. It will be exposed Sept. 30 and is one of four Chevy premieres at the show.

The Cruze hatch is a usual fit for Europe, where the segment accounts for 65 percent of volume in the compact segment.

A Chevy spokesman told there are no tactics to sell the hatch in the United States at this time. It goes on auction in Europe in the middle of next year.

The Cruze sedan ultimately replaces the Cobalt in the United States. It goes on trade in late September and will be built in Ohio.

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Ferrari recalls 458 Italia cars behind spate of fires

Five of the cars have burst into flames as leaving the company's factory at Maranello near Bologna, northern Italy.

Occurrences have been reported in California, Paris, China and Switzerland. No one has taken place in Britain.

The recall involves 1,248 cars in all, including approximately 50 in Britain. Owners comprise Louis Saha, the Everton footballer, Eric Clapton and Chris Evans, the broadcaster.

While this is not the first recall in the Italian manufacturer's history, it is especially awkward for the company which only began producing the car at the start of the year.

The fault is understood to occupy the glue used to safe the wheel arch lining to the car's chassis.

According to Ferrari the glue has been overheating, this has led on chiefly hot days to the adhesive catching light when the car has been driven for a continued period of time at high speed.

The repair at a dealer takes concerning half a day, a company said.

A new Ferrari 458 costs now under £170,000. But such is the demand for the vehicle that still a used model attracts a £50,000 premium.

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PROTON-CAR IS GOOD VALUE!

VALUE CARS (IW) Limited the owners of Osborne Garage in East Cowes have been honored the Proton main dealership for the Isle of Wight and are offering three years free servicing with every new car sold this year.

Value Cars purchased Osborne Garage in July 2009, after the previous owners went into administration, and since purchase they have spent over £80,000 on main refurbishment of the showroom and workshops.

Managing Director Mr David Chapman said: After the refurbishment was completed we were appearing to get a new car franchise back for the garage. We looked at many options but required a brand of cars that offered style, quality and good value.

After visiting the Proton UK headquarters in Bristol and seeing their whole operation we were more than impressed. We also educated that Proton purchased Lotus Cars in 1995. Lotus now contribute very much in the overall design of the new vehicles, producing what can only be described as very stylish, reliable cars, which are fun to drive, with fantastic handling, whilst still managing to offer very good value for money.

The Proton range initiates from just £7,995 for the 1.2 Savvy Style – a small 5 door hatchback with power steering, electric windows, central locking, air conditioning and parking sensors as standard – foremost up to the top of the range GEN-2 1.6GSX 5 door hatchback at just £10,995 that comes with power steering, electric windows, electric mirrors, remote central locking and air conditioning.

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Electric Cars: More costly to own than Gasoline Models?

One of the big selling points of electric vehicles is that, though they cost more upfront, over time you can save money, as you’re not buying gas.

Over three years, electric cars could be more expensive to run than their petrol equivalents. What’s amazing is where the figures come from: Mitsubishi, which is getting set to launch its own electric car, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The high purchase prices, and the rapid depreciation, are what may build electric cars uncompetitive financially.

Any new-car buyer takes a beat on depreciation. Some estimates say that new cars can lose up to 20 percent of their worth the minute they’re driven off the dealer lot.

To aim and minimize this ‘battery fear’ both Mitsubishi and Nissan will guarantee battery life. Mitsubishi says its batteries will be guaranteed for 62,500 miles, but should work, at least partly, for up to 100,000 miles.

Of course, while it may charge more to own an electric car than a gasoline-powered one, there are other profits to going gasoline free, like no tailpipe emissions.

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