Ford recalling 140,000 Focus

Ford announced a recall of 140,000 cars a model Focus, which were made during the period from August 1, 2010 to October 18, 2011. However, while we are talking about the recall of vehicles solely for the U.S. market, but it is possible that the campaign to repair and will get to Europe.

Problems on the Focus are not too serious, but uncomfortable - can be damaged connector in the wiring harness that goes to the right ("Passenger") wiper. As a result, at one point, "the janitor" could deny that increase the probability of an accident in the rain.

According to representatives of Ford, repair does not take much time - only the masters will have to check the connector, and if necessary replace it.

In 2012 Americans refuse to hybrids

Owners of hybrid cars when buying a new car prefer traditional technologies. According to news Automotive News, these disappointing figures for "green" vehicles were registered in 2011. The only "green" iron horse, who managed not to disappoint their owners, was a hybrid Toyota Prius.
 
But in most cases when buying a new car has been chosen the usual internal combustion engine. Choose a hybrid of a hybrid decided to only 22% of car owners. Also, the knife in the back thrust of modern hybrid engine with low fuel consumption. Cars with such power plants are cheaper to purchase and maintain, having almost "hybrid" fuel economy.
 
Curiously, the number of drivers who are satisfied with hybrid cars, with each year is decreasing. For example, in 2010 the proportion of satisfied motorist’s was26.4%, but in 2009 it was about 41.8%. In the past year the situation has stabilized a bit. However, according to experts, to put an end to the hybrid technology too early, because they attract new buyers to even lost the popularity of brands. And while hybrids are a good tool for competition.

Phones in the car can be recharged "on air"

The following year the company Chrysler will begin to equip their cars wireless (!) Charger for the players, mobile phones, smart phones on platforms iPhone, Blackberry and Android. The first test future technologies will Sedan Dodge Dart.

This useful feature has been designed Chrysler court ateliers Molar, which is more than a year comes up with all sorts of gadgets for the car group. The device will rebuilt into the center console of your vehicle. To begin the process of charging your smartphone, or the player will have to just put on a special place. But there is one thing but ... To charge the phone "on air", it should be inserted into a special box, which supplies the Molar kit. The creators claim that the building will be versatile and suitable for most mobile devices.

Full charging time, as well as other features that will be endowed with a system is not reported. The estimated cost of wireless charging around U.S. $ 200, and it will be offered to buyers of cars as an option.

Toyota cars cheaper

Toyota has told us how to make cars more affordable. According to the concepts of Toyota New Global Architecture, the costs will be reduced, and customers are fully satisfied with the quality of products. The new architecture will be able to combine the basic functions of the vehicle, such as acceleration, braking and maneuvering, with the ideal parameters of equipment, ergonomics and comfortable accommodation of the occupants.

In the near future under the new concept will create three front wheel drive car, and they will form the basis for half of all future models of Toyota. The second step will be a new order of cooperation between business units. In the new work will be the designers, engineers and research unit that will lead to a more efficient body structure. The new platform will have a low center of gravity; the cars will become more stable and emotional side of design. What the future will look like new from Toyota; can be judged by a conceptual hybrid Toyota NS4, shown at the beginning of 2012 in Detroit.

Finally, one of the most important staff will be cleaning. The number of managers involved in the process of creating new models will be reduced by 20%.

Honda will show in Beijing, two new concept

Honda is at the Beijing auto show will bring, to be held in late April, two new concept. Prototypes will be as close to production models that are designed specifically to market the Middle Kingdom. According to unofficial information, one of the concepts will be the Chinese version of the next generation Honda Accord.

Also in Beijing, will illuminate the Japanese luxury brand - Acura. The public will show the new NSX Concept, ILX and compact crossover RDX. The last two cars this year to appear on the shelves of local car dealerships. Note that Honda seriously aims to improve their position in the Chinese market. In the next couple of years, the Japanese want to start selling in the Middle Kingdom for more than ten new products (as absolutely fresh and redesigned models), as well as to increase production in China.

Spies photographed a new generation of Toyota RAV4

A new generation of one of the most popular SUV in the world, Toyota RAV4 is tested by a dense layer of camouflage. Recall that last SUV was updated in 2009, receiving minor changes.

Spy pictures of new items in the hands of the popular U.S. publication Car and Driver. Most likely, the crossover will be built on the upgraded platform, the current car, but the car will be slightly larger. More than a sloping roof line and the slope of the front legs suggest that the Japanese rely on the design and image, with off-road component even less attention.

One of the most noticeable changes is the lack of trunk to store the spare wheel on the back of a car door. By the way, the current "Rafiq" is almost the only crossover, which still carries the spare tire there. Also, significantly change the rear optics, which will be horizontal. But in general, as a whole, under the camouflage of the new features guessed Toyota Camry...

What will be new items under the hood, it is difficult to assume. It is likely that there will move engines from the new Camry, namely the 2.5-liter 181-horsepower or a 3.5-liter gasoline V6 rated at 277 hp The first appearance in public of a new generation of Toyota RAV4 2013 can be expected in the second half of this year.

Opel Insignia is preparing an updated

Opel began work on an updated version of its flagship Insignia. Wait for a revolution in this case is not worth it, but there is no doubt that the Insignia will get another look of the front part of the new rear lights and upgraded power trains. However, while the technical features restyled model, there is no information, but it is clear that the engines will become more powerful and more economical.

It is assumed that the updated Opel Insignia will be seen in late September at the Paris Motor Show. But towards the end of this year's model should go on sale, including in Russia (recall that we sold Insignia collected in Kaliningrad).