Cadillac ELR recall targets stability control software issues

The 2014 Cadillac ELR is being recalled for an issue with its electronic stability control (ESC) system. According to NHTSA, the software for the car's electronic stability control system may inhibit certain ESC functions, and fail to alert the driver than ESC is partially or fully disabled. This could potentially give the driver no warning that ESC may be off entirely, which could result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Cash for clunkers plan revives trade fight

Import brand automakers and dealers warned on Thursday that a vehicle scrappage proposal before the Senate would violate trade agreements and could weaken the economy. The Senate could vote on the plan on Thursday, which would offer $10,000 to any moderate- or low-income consumer who trades in a car or truck that is at least 10 years old and buys a new one that is more fuel-efficient and "assembled in the United States." The trade-ins would be scrapped rather than resold. The U.S.-made mandate "smacks of the protectionism that led to the Great Depression," said Barbara Nocera, the top Washington lobbyist for Mazda North American Operations.

New Chevy pickup gets luxury trim

General Motors plans a luxury trim level for its next-generation Chevrolet Silverado pickup, its answer to the leather-swathed top offerings of its rivals. GM will name the model the High Country, according to dealers briefed on the plans during a national Chevy dealer meeting this month in Las Vegas. It's a response to the proliferation of high-end pickup models, such as Ford's F-150 King Ranch and Limited and Ram's Laramie Longhorn, which have sticker prices that can top $50,000.