New! 3'x5' Ford Racing Flag W/brass Grommets! on 2040-parts.com

Toyota pedal recall batters reputation

In the past 24 hours, the storm swirling around Toyota has intensified, battering its prized reputation for quality. The latest moves: -- Toyota added another 1.1 million vehicles to those recalled to modify accelerator pedals that may get stuck under the edge of the floor mat. Toyota has now recalled a total of 4.3 million vehicles for this issue.

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid & BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid at Frankfurt

Production versions of the BMW 7 Series & X6 ActiveHybrid will show at Frankfurt The Concepts for the ActiveHybrids were originally shown in 2008, and the production models are expected to be pretty much the same. They are in effect ‘Mild’ Hybrids, using a 20hp electric motor – with an additional 155lb/ft of torque – to add efficiency to the 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8. The electric motor will be fitted in the transmission housing and replaces stuff like the alternator and starter.

Honda – made in the UK

Honda's new TV ad focuses on its UK manufacturing Car makers have had a torrid time in the last year or so. And the natural reaction has been to cut costs where they can. That has seen a downturn in the advertising budgets available to car makers, which in the end will be self-defeating.