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Automakers Industry Goals Optimistic

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The auto industry has taken a substantial hit the last couple of years, and although it has continued on a steady pace of recovery, it is predicted that sales won’t return to pre-recession levels until at least 2016. Nissan’s chief executive predicts that by 2016, sales will increase by 82% globally while Ford and Volkswagen predict less growth of around 50%. Aside from believing the American market will recover, auto manufacturers believe that their growth will will be due to emerging markets overseas. According to auto market analysts, if the rest of the industry is as confident as these manufacturers, there will be over 20 million more cars on the market than what is expected to be sold. They predict that a consolidation of companies as well as OEM suppliers will be the only way to ensure survival.

Automotive innovations, especially in terms of next generation electric and hybrid vehicles, will be the biggest factor, but the question of whether consumers will embrace the technology will be determined by whether the infrastructure can support them. Other technological hurdles include vehicle connectivity increasing the safety of automobiles.

Ford Offers Better Fuel Economy With Google

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Ford and Google are working together to develop a tool that will help make Ford’s hybrid vehicles even more efficient. The Application Program Interface (API), also known as Google Predictions, will analyze driver habits using cloud based computing, in order to come up with customized strategies for saving energy. The driver would input their destination and the car would use its stored traffic information to determine the best route. The API would adapt to the drivers driving habits allowing the best fuel efficiency for the driver. The technology is still in a research phase, but Ford hopes to have a working prototype ready for production in four to eight years.

Yamaha Recalls FJR1300 Motorcycles

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Yamaha is recalling certain 2006-2009 FJR1300 motorcycles for an electrical problem that could lead to malfunctioning electrical systems or the engine stalling unexpectedly. The bikes, built between February 2006 to March of 2009 could have a ground joint connector harness that could overheat and cause an intermittent ground connection. Yamaha dealers will install an additional grounding lead and replace any wires and connectors damaged by heat. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926.

GM Recall For Colorado And Canyon Trucks

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General Motors has issued a recall for certain 2011 Chevrolet Colorado and 2011 GMC Canyon trucks with 2.9 or 3.7 liter engines and four speed automatic transmissions. According to the recall, the trucks may have been built with an automatic transmission adjustment clip that may not keep the shift cable in the correct position. The shift lever may not show the correct position of the transmission gear resulting in drivers thinking the vehicle is in park when it is not. This condition could result in the vehicle unexpectedly rolling away or the driver may not be able to start the engine. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

GM Recalls Vehicles For Steering

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GM is recalling certain 2011 trucks and SUV’s to inspect the intermediate steering shaft attaching bolts. During manufacturing, the bolts may have not been tightened to the proper specifications which may allow the joints to separate resulting in loss of steering. The vehicles involved in this recall are:

Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Cadillac at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC at 1-866-996-9463.

BMW Recalling X3 For Steering

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BMW has announced a recall for certain 2011 X3 compact crossover SUV’s built between April 2011 to June 2011. A manufacturing defect with the control module in the electric power steering (EPS) unit could lead to a malfunction resulting in loss of power steering assist. X3 owners wanting more information about the recall can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

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Toyota And Lexus Hybrids Recalled For Stalling

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Toyota has announced a recall that will affect about 82,000 Toyota and Lexus hybrid sport utility vehicles (SUV’s). The recall involves about 45,000 2006-2007 Toyota Highlander and 36,000 2006-2007 Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV models from the 2006-2007 model years. The recall is the result of an investigation that began in February after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received complaints of the vehicles stalling for no reason. Toyota has reported that the problem is with the transistors inside the system’s inverter which can overheat and fail. Drivers will be alerted of the problem by warning lamps illuminating on the dashboard, and in most cases the vehicle can be driven a short distance due to a fail safe driving mode. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or go to www.toyota.com/recall or Lexus at 800-255-3987 or go to www.lexus.com/recall.

Toyota To Offer Family Sized Prius

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According to Ed LaRocque, Toyota’s U.S. marketing manager for advanced technology vehicles, Toyota’s new family sized Prius will be hitting the U.S. market this fall after delays due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The Prius V is being targeted to young families offering versatility and more interior room than most small sport utility vehicles on the market. The company sees the Prius V competing against vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and the Volkswagen Jetta wagon. Toyota will also be offering a plug in version of the current Prius model early next year followed by a smaller version, known as the Prius C. Toyota has dominated the gasoline electric hybrid market since the Prius went on sale in the U.S. in 2000. The company hopes that Prius sales will eventually rival the sales of Toyota’s popular models like the Camry and Corolla sedans.