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Toyota recalls 35,000 cars

CA MAKER Toyota is recalling more than 35,000 UK cars after it discovered faults that could deactivate airbags, cause seats to move while driving or, in a rarer case that involves undue force, break steering columns. The three separate issues affect some RAV4, Hilux, Yaris and Urban Cruiser models, Toyota said. The Japanese company said there had been no reports of accidents, injuries or fatalities linked to the issues from anywhere in the world, but it was recalling the 35,124 UK-registered vehicles in line with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) code of practice.

Saleen announces new electric supercar

Californian tuner and sometimes supercar-builder Saleen has confirmed it is working on an all-new electric car, with plans to debut the new model in 2015. Perhaps best known for the 248mph Saleen S7 Twin Turbo, which went out of production in 2009, the firm specialises in providing performance upgrades for modern American muscle cars, including the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. On Bing: see pictures of the Saleen S7 Find out how much used muscle car costs on Auto Trader However, Saleen is keen to get into the bespoke supercar game again, and is claiming in a newly released statement that its forthcoming electric vehicle will be ‘unlike anything currently in the market place.’ Exactly what this would entail is unclear at this stage, but the Saleen is saying ‘Throw out your pre-conceived notions and expectations.

Maeda named new Mazda design boss, replacing van den Acker

Ikuo Maeda is the new head of design at Mazda Motor Corp. The man who is credited with styling the Mazda's flagship sports car takes over for Dutchman Laurens van den Acker, 43, who has decided to leave the company "to pursue other interests," the automaker said in a statement today. Van den Acker, who joined Mazda in 2006, will remain at the automaker until April 10 to ensure a smooth transition for Maeda, Mazda said.