Chevrolet Spark launches in Uzbekistan (UZ)

GM has begun manufacturing the Spark city-car in Uzbekistan, where GM has 95% control of the car-market.

GM Daewoo, Chevrolet’s South Korean subsidiary, is giving complete knock-down (CKD) kits of the Spark to GM Uzbekistan for local construction. The Spark – known as the Matiz Creative in South Korea – will be sold in Uzbekistan with both 1.0 litre and 1.2 litre petrol engines.

GM Uzbekistan has an yearly production capacity of 250,000 vehicles and assembles versions of several GM Daewoo models, including the Lacetti Premiere, Tosca sedan, and the Winstorm (Captiva) compact SUV.

Mazda reaches MX-5 milestone (UK)

Mazda has reached a new landmark, with the sale of its 100,000th MX-5. British motorists have accounted for 10% of global sales and 40% of European sales since the MX-5 was launched in 1990.

It first launched at the 1989 Chicago motor show and arrived in the UK in March 1990, racking up 2,246 sales by the end of its first year. Annual sales hit a record high in 2007 with 9,234 units sold.

The MX-5 got into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2000 as the best-selling two-seater sports car in history with over 880,000 units sold worldwide.

Mark Cameron, sales director Mazda UK, said: “The legendary Mazda MX-5 is the car most people associate with Mazda. It is a car that people not only aspire to, but can afford to run and enjoy driving on a daily basis. This iconic sportscar’s handling has been voted as the best by motoring magazines. It is a fun car that makes each journey an enjoyable experience – a car that encompasses Mazda’s soul.

“To hit 100,000 sales in the UK is a significant milestone for Mazda. We are the biggest market for this car due to our love of open-top two seat sportscars. The Mazda MX-5 finds its roots in the British heritage of soft top sportscars and has been loved by British motorists since the day it arrived on these shores.” The 100,000th MX-5 went to Dr Helen Jones from Cheshire.

The 2012 MX-5/Miata plans to make much greater use of its Nagare design language. Mazda has been rethinking its sports car strategy after worry that the current MX-5 has become too heavy to stay true to the original car’s ethos.

The 1990 MX-5/Miata had a target weight of 1,000kg during development, and Mazda has set itself the same goal for the new model.

Photo Gallery: 2011 Citroën C4 Picasso facelift

Citroën has revealed the first photos of the revised C4 Picasso facelift.

The facelift is minor and consists of LED day-time running lights, new Citroën badge and white lenses for the indicator lights. At the rear, the rear light clusters now have a smoked outline.

Mechanically, Citroën has launched its e-HDi technology which features Stop/Start and a regenerative alternator. At the same time, Citroën is introducing an engine stop-start system to models with the 1.6 HDi engine and a manual gearbox. Citroën says this can result in a 15% cut in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption in town.

When transformed into figures, that means combined fuel economy is now 58.9mpg and emissions of 125g/km, compared with the 53.3mpg and 140g/km of the previous model.

At the moment, Citroën is confirming exact details for the French market. However, Citroën will announce UK spec cars next week.

Both the Grand C4 Picasso and C4 Picasso will premier at the Paris motor show.

Nissan debating on next-generation Z powertrain

Nissan is likely to borrow engines from Mercedes to use in the next-generation Z-sport cars, as well as hybrid and diesel variants for Europe.

Reducing fuel consumption and emissions are crucial goals in Europe and Japan, while in the U.S, there’s less pressure at the moment to attain this goal. That’s because Nissan is debating what engine to use.

A technology partnership between Renault-Nissan Alliance and Daimler-Benz will allow access to each other engines. Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan has confirmed that some Mercedes engines will find their way under some Infiniti hoods. Nissan is considering using a 3.5 litre petrol/hybrid set-up – virtually identical to the one in the S400, which kicks-out 295bhp, however, the cost of a hybrid powertrain may rule this option out. Instead, a 2.2 litre, 4 cylinder petrol engine – used in the E300 that produces 225bhp is possible.

A more remote option is Mercedes' Diesotto engine, which utilises diesel sparkless ignition to a petrol engine. Mercedes Diesotto prototypes can power a vehicle as big as an S-Class with little as 1.8 litres.

Nissan has lots of time to decide – the outgoing Z car was launched in late 2008 and will not be changed until 2014. Nissan has also abandoned plans for a roadster, as well concluding that there isn't enough of a market for a 200SX/Silvia coupe replacement, even if the size and fuel consumption of the model would make sense for some markets.

NHTSA investigates 2011 Sonata sedan, GM recalls '05 - '08 Vibe (U.S)

2011 Hyundai Sonata probed due to steering defects:


The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) is probing around 16,300 Sonata sedans after it opened an investigation regarding the car’s steering.

"We will fully cooperate with the investigation and resolve any issues," said James P. Trainor, Hyundai Motor America spokesman. "We have received two complaints for different issues and have repaired the vehicles."

NHTSA said the complaints "allege either a separation of the intermediate steering shaft assembly upper universal joint resulting in a complete loss of steering capability and/or a cross-threaded pinch bolt that caused stripped-out threads and loosening, but not complete separation of the upper universal joint connection."

The affected vehicles were manufactured during the same month and had approximately 600 miles on the clock at the time of the supposed incidents.

Back in February, Hyundai recalled 5,893 ‘11 Sonatas due to defective door latches.

GM calls back 2005 – 2008 Pontiac Vibe vehicles:

GM is calling back 161,754 2005 – 2008 Vibes to rectify a fault regarding the engine control module, which could lead to the car stalling. The recall is connected directly with Toyota’s recall of 1.1m Corolla and Matrix models of the same year. The Vibe & Matrix underpin the Corolla platform.

NHTSA said the engine control unit on cars with the 1ZZ-FE (LV6) engine and two-wheel drive "may have been improperly manufactured". In some instances, "the engine may not start or the engine could shut off while the vehicle is being driven".

GM hasn’t given an owner announcement schedule, but its dealers will correct the substandard cars free of charge.

You can contact GM on 800-620-7668.

NHTSA investigates 2007 – 2008 Jeep Wranglers over fuel spills:

The NHTSA has received 217 complaints from owners concerning a potential fuel leak. The inquiry involves 223,000 ’07 – ’08 Jeep Wranglers, suggesting that fuel could seep back out of the fuel filler during refueling, creating a potential fire risk.

Owners have nagged about fuel splattering back out of the fuel filler, fuel dripping down the side of the SUV, splashing onto the owner and onto the ground.

Chrysler said no-one has been injured and no fires have been related to the possible flawed vehicle. No UK models have been affected.

Back in June, Jeep recalled 289,000 2006 – 2010 Wranglers due to a design fault, resulting in possible leakage within the brake pipes.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta recalled due to stalling 2.0 TDI engine stalling:

Another day, another investigation from the NHTSA...This time, VW is under scrutiny. The NHTSA is looking in to a possible safety concern surrounding the 2009 VW Jetta 2.0 TDI.

Several complaints from consumers and several more from online forums caused the investigation. The allegations propose that without warning the vehicle can shut-down and in many cases, will not switch back on. There are many stories for what may be the possible cause of the “stalling,” with some members suggesting that it is far more than an engine stalling issue.

A list from forum members regarding problems have totalled to 26. The most frequent issue by the enthusiasts is a high pressure fuel pump, which in most cases is deteriorating by tearing apart and sending metal debris throughout the engine. When this takes place, repair quotes have usually varied from a hefty $5,000 - $10,000, with VW dealerships declining to cover the costs in many cases.

Many owners of 2010 Jetta models are also reporting similar problems, signifying the study may be extended at a later date.

No European models have been recalled.

2011 KIA Sorento & 2010 KIA Soul recalled due to possible fire risk:

Kia is taking back 35,185 passenger cars, including 23,972 ’10 Souls and 11,213 ’11 Sorento’s due to a likely fire risk, the NHTSA said.

"A limited number of wiring harnesses supplied by JCI and used for the lighting in the Kia Soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers, located in the front door trim panels, and the Kia Sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination, located in the front and rear door trim panels, may have been improperly soldered," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "When the lights are illuminated under certain conditions, an electrical short may occur that can result in a fire."

The Soul trim-levels involved are the Soul!, Soul Sport and Soul+, built between 7th September 2009 – 8th June 2010. The Sorento EX and EX V6 with interior illumination option built between 23rd October 2009 – 30th July 2010 are affected.

Kia retailers will swap the wiring harnesses for the lights in the Kia Soul vehicle's advanced lighting speakers and the wiring harness for the Kia Sorento vehicle's interior accent illumination.

The recall is expected to begin sometime in September. Owners can contact Kia on 800-333-4542.

Ford recalls '98 - '03 Windstar MPV (U.S)

Ford is recalling 462,750 ‘98-‘03 Windstar large MPV as the rear axle could crack and increase the risk of a crash, according to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

The affected vehicles were produced from 1st September 1997 to 28th February 2003, and are presently registered or were initially sold in Delaware, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

"After many years of vehicle service in these areas, corrosion can weaken the rear axle, making it susceptible to torsional stress," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. Corrosion and stress can lead to cracks which, if undetected, can propagate and result in a complete fracture of the axle. A fractured axle can affect vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash."

The call back is expected to begin around 27th September. Ford told NHTSA that owners will be informed and ordered to take their vehicles to a Ford or Lincoln/Mercury showroom for inspection of the rear axle. Customers of vehicles without axle cracking will be notified when to return for the fitting of reinforcement brackets to extend the axle durability in the presence of corrosion, Ford said. Owners who have vehicles with cracked axles will be offered a repair or alternative transportation until parts become available.

Owners of the affected Windstar vehicles can call Ford on (866) 436-7332.

Nissan LEAF order book opens today (UK)

Nissan has flung open its order books for the LEAF EV with a website devoted to deal with preliminary deposits.

If you click your way to www.nissan.co.uk/leafreservation, consumers can register their interest in the LEAF by paying a £257 refundable deposit. They will then get to test-drive a LEAF by the end of this year, at which point they will need to officially confirm their order. The Nissan LEAF will cost £23,990 when it goes on sale in February 2011.

Paul Willcox, managing director of Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, said: 'The Leaf is generating huge interest across the world, with more than 25,000 customers already putting down deposits in the U.S and Japan. We know that the benefits of electric mobility have struck a chord with motorists in the UK and initial interest across retail and fleet channels could result in demand outstripping initial supply.'

Even though the website has been live for a few hours, Nissan UK said response has been brilliant with first orders outstripping expectations. Nissan is refusing to confirm the exact number of LEAFs that have been allocated for UK customers next year, but a spokesperson said it would be 'in the low thousands'.

Oh, by the way, if you’re wondering why Nissan UK specifically chose the price of £257 for the deposit, it’s because that is the amount it expects customers to spend annually charging their car.

Ferrari to contact all 458 Italia owners

A few days ago, Ferrari was looking into a problem that caused the 458 Italia to catch fire. Now, Ferrari will be calling back every single 458 Italia, following videos, photos and reports of cars randomly catching fire. Most 458 Italia fires have happened in Mainland Europe. In the U.S, Ferrari dealers will be telephoning U.S customers personally.

According to Ferrari, an adhesive used in the wheel-arch can overheat and allow the rear wheel heat shields to move around. In extreme cases, the glue can smoke and even catch fire. Five initial units of the car have caught fire, although none have been UK cars.

Due to this, Ferrari will be inviting 1,200 international owners of the 458 Italia to have new heat-shields attached.

A member of the FerrariChat.com fan site, Superquant said: "My dealer just informed me that as of 1 minute ago he learned that Ferrari has issued a recall on ALL 458 due to the fire situation. Ferrari has determined the cause of the 458's that have caught on fire was from an adhesive that attached the heat shield under the rear fenders. The heat shields were attached with an adhesive and became flammable under high temps. The new shield will be attached to rivets, not any type of adhesive. Every 458 produced will get this new part so call your dealer now and set up your appointment which of course is free of charge. Ferrari is not taking any chances and will replace this part on every 458 Italia produced to date."

Mitsubishi i-MiEV pricing announced (EU)

Mitsubishi has revealed some new information on the forthcoming Euro-spec i-MiEV electric city-car.

Compared to the Japanese variant, the European model has remodelled bumpers, centre console and "improved interior comfort." Compare to the regular petrol ‘i-car’, the i-MiEV comes with ASC (Active Stability Control) and side & curtain airbags as standard.

The EV features a lithium-ion battery which powers a small 63bhp (64PS) electric motor has 180Nm (133lb-ft) of torque. This allows for a range of 100 miles (160 km). UK consumers will pay 96p per charge – Mitsubishi claims it will cost £144 for 12,000 miles of driving.

Due to go on sale in December, the i-MiEV will be launched in 14 countries; Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. Prices will vary from €33,000 - €35,000 (or equivalent), but government incentives will lower it to €30,000 in most countries. UK models start from £28,990, or £23,990 after the governments £5,000 incentive. Mitsubishi originally priced the EV at £38,699.

Servicing costs will be substantially lower compared to a internal combustion engine, due to the fact the EV has 4 moving parts, while a internal combustion engine has around 300 moving parts.

Over 2,300 i-MiEVs have been in force on Japanese roads since full production started in July 2009.

UK i-MiEVs will be offered with a range of personalisation options, including roof and door mirror graphics, stereo/MP3 systems, leather interior and environmentally friendly accessories such as floor mats made from biodegradable bamboo fibre. Deliveries will start in January 2011.

Audi increasing A1 production

Audi will be increasing the production of its A1 supermini, to meet early demand.

Audi’s sales executive, Peter Schwarzenbauer also approved plans for the A1 to be sold in China and the U.S. China will see the car launch in mid-2012, however, the U.S is likely to see the A1 in its second generation. Originally, Audi discarded the idea of selling the A1 outside of Europe.

Schwarzenbauer said production had been boosted by 20% at Audi’s Brussels factory, where the A1 is produced. The firm initially penned to manufacture 100,000 A1s annually from 2012. This year will see around 50,000 being built when production started in May and 80,000 in 2011.

In addition, Audi has received over 150,000 interests in the A1 from customers internationally and this persuaded Audi to expand sales outside of Europe.

The A1 is in place to become the biggest-selling car in Audi’s history and will launch in the UK in October; about the same time as the revised Mini, with a price tag of £13,145. Schwarzenbauer said earlier this year that early A1 demand was likely to outstrip supply and 90% of buyers were new to the new Audi brand.