51 000 TOYOTA YARIS MODELS RECALLED

Toyota South Africa is recalling 51 048 Yaris cars due to a problem with their seatbelt. A recall is basically when an automaker literally calls buyers of a certain model and informs them about a certain problem with the car. It then asks them to deliver their cars at their nearest dealer to have the problem sorted out. Yaris (also known in other markets as the Vitz) models involved were manufactured between June 2005 and April 2007.

This seatbelt problem is apparently one that is potentially highly dangerous and requires Toyota to remove a piece of insulation material. A statement from Toyota reads in part:

"This action is necessary due to the possibility that the sound insulator may become damaged by the high temperature gas generated from the seat belt pre-tensioner when it is activated in the event of a crash. In the worst case, if the insulator ignites, this condition may result in a post-collision fire.”

The South African recall is part of a worldwide recall that involves over 1.5 million Toyotas. Most of the cars affected are in Japan.

GM DESIGN CHIEF HONOURED

GM SAYS: Edward T. “Ed” Welburn, GM's Vice President of Global Design, received the Distinguished Service Citation from the Automotive Hall of Fame, on the 25^th January, at the National Automobile Dealers Association meeting in New Orleans. With this prestigious Distinguished Service Citation, the Automotive Hall of Fame recognises an individual's significant contribution to the auto industry.

"I am honoured to be receiving this award for doing a job that I enjoy so much,” said Welburn. “I am proud to lead such a creative team that continues designing award-winning cars and pick-trucks that our customers love.”

Welburn was appointed GM vice president, global design, on 1 March 2005. He had been vice president of design, GM North America, since 1 October 2003, when he became only the sixth design leader in GM history. As vice president of global design, Welburn is responsible for interior and exterior design development of all General Motors cars and trucks. He heads a team of over 1 400 men and women operating in 11 design centres in eight countries around the world. Just three of these are in the US (and unfortunately none are in South Africa, although we’ve previously suggested to Mr Welburn himself that GM consider one in Johannesburg or Cape Town - Ed.)

Also under Welburn's leadership, GM designed and developed the revolutionary Chevrolet Volt, the world's first extended-range electric vehicle whose advanced technology and aerodynamic design enable it to drive up to 40 miles (64km) without using a drop of petrol or producing emissions. The Chevrolet Volt was awarded the North American Specialty Concept Vehicle of the Year 2007 and the Most Significant Concept Vehicle of the Year at the Automotive Hall of Fame, 2007 MY. In addition, the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid won the 2008 Green Car of the Year award.

RENAULT TO BUILD SANDERO IN PRETORIA

Renault South Africa is getting ready to launch its newest baby called the Sandero. The Sandero was first revealed to the Mzansi public at the 2008 Johannesburg International Motor Show. Since then we’ve spotted these cuties doing performance testing under disguise at the Gerotek testing facility north of Pretoria.

Renault will start building the Sandero in Rosslyn, Pretoria, this February as part of its pledged R1 billion investment in the country.

“The Sandero is a key model in our range revitalisation strategy,” Xavier Gobille, MD of Renault SA told Bizcommunity Motoring. “But it is also a vital addition to the mostly staid and outdated entry-level sector - a sector in dire need of a thoroughly modern, safe, stylish and spacious contender.”

The car will be offered with two engine choices, a 55kW 1.4-litre and a 64kW 1.6-litre. Both are petrol-powered. Later on a 1.5-litre turbo diesel model may be added depending on how sales go. The Sandero is based on the R99 500 Logan sedan but is a front-wheel-drive hatch measuring 4 metres in length and 1.75m in width. In a number of other countries like Brazil the car is badged as the Dacia Sandero. Dacia is a brand of Renault’s.

When the Sandero is launched towards the end of February it should come in at a similar price to the Logan.

SOURCE: Bizcommunity Motoring

PICTURES: Quickpic

PERSONALISE THE SOUND OF YOUR PORSCHE 911

Not too happy with the sound of your Porsche 911 or 911 Targa 4? Your favourite car brand is now offering an exhaust system that lets you adjust how the car sounds at the push of a button. The system is available from February on new Porsches sold. It can also be retrofitted to existing models after April. The two tailpipes are made of stainless steel and are quite unique in appearance.

The Porsche sports exhaust system is priced at €1 610 ex VAT (about R21 200). America has an MSRP of US$2 500 on it.