Saturday, 8 October 2016

Volkswagen Recalls 281K Cars for Possible Fuel Leaks

Volkswagen Recalls 281K Cars for Possible Fuel Leaks

Volkswagen Recalls 281K Cars for Possible Fuel Leaks

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Volkswagen has announced three separate recalls affecting a total of 281,505 vehicles in the U.S.

The recalls are not related to diesel engines, but rather possible fuel leak issues with the affected vehicles. The first recall affects the 2015-2016 Volkswagen Golf, Golf SportWagen and GTI models that require partial zero emission vehicle (PZEV) modifications, as well as the front-wheel-drive Audi A3 with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine. Those vehicles have faulty evaporative emissions systems, with rubber seals within suction pumps inside the gas tanks that were assembled with too much tension. As a result, gas can collect within the evaporative emission components instead of being pumped out, causing the charcoal filter to get flooded and leading to a continuous gasoline smell inside the car. The condition can also cause gas station nozzles to stop prematurely due to fuel splashing back or a fuel leak. The first recall affects a total of 110,042 cars.

SEE ALSO: Volkswagen Won't Sell Off Any of its Brands to Pay for Dieselgate

The second recall involves the 2007-2012 Audi Q7 and 2009-2012 Audi Q5 models. According to Volkswagen, part of the fuel filler flange can crack, causing fuel to leak. The German automaker hasn't found the cause of the issue yet, but dealers will install rubber bands around the flange to protect the fuel pump and replace any damaged flanges. That recall involves a total of 143,214 vehicles.

The third and last recall affects the 2012-2013 Audi A6 and A7 models, featuring fuel pump hoses that can leak for unknown reasons. The problem was first discovered by Audi following warranty claims for fuel leaks last November. A total of 28,249 cars affected by the third recall and currently Audi dealerships do not have a schedule on when they will replace the fuel pump and hose in affected vehicles.

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Traffic Fatalities Up 10.4 Percent in First Half of 2016

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Preliminary data shows that traffic fatalities in the U.S. are up 10.4 percent during the first half of 2016.

The data is not yet finalized, but the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates 17,775 people have died in car crashes during the first six months of this year. That figure is also the highest during the same time period since the first half of 2008, when 17,894 people died in car-related accidents.

The increase can likely be attributed to drivers spending more time on roadways, with the number of miles traveled by drivers in the U.S. increasing 3.3 percent to 50.5 billion miles. The fatality rate has increased from 1.05 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles last year to 1.12 fatalities.

SEE ALSO: Traffic Deaths Increased by 7.7 Percent Last Year

According to NHTSA, traffic fatalities were up 7.2 percent last year, with a total of 35,092 people dying on roadways due to traffic accidents. Preliminary data from NHTSA originally estimated a 7.7-percent increase.

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Volkswagen Won’t Sell Off Any of its Brands to Pay for Dieselgate

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Volkswagen has no plans of selling off its brands to cover the costs of its massive diesel scandal.

Late last year, there was a report that Volkswagen was ready to sell off some of its brands like Bentley and Lamborghini if it is unable to pay back a $21-billion loan. But recently, supervisory board chairman Hans Dieter Poetsch told German daily Boersen-Zeitung that "The Volkswagen group is financially solid and has many options for financing." He went on to say that the company is financially solid without extraordinary measures like a capital increase and it is not thinking of selling parts of its brands.

SEE ALSO: Everything We Know About the Volkswagen Atlas

The German automaker has set aside $19.8-billion to pay for costs related to the worldwide diesel scandal and currently faces civil litigation and potential fines from government regulators in the EU and other markets. Poetsch, however, indicated that he doesn't expect any further provisions will be necessary. "The items that seem most likely are reflected in the provisions made so far. From today's point of view, that is robust," he said.

[Source: Reuters]

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Jaguar Land Rover Hires Cartoon as Brand Ambassador

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Jaguar Land Rover is thinking outside the box for its newest global ambassador.

The British automaker has announced Noodle, Japanese guitarist and founding member of virtual British band Gorillaz, as its newest brand ambassador. Noodle will help drive a new skills gap campaign aimed at inspiring young people to become future engineers and innovators, as well as joining the Jaguar Racing crew.

According to Jaguar Land Rover, it plans on using its entry into Formula E to promote its "thought leadership position as a business that is shaping the future to solve the technology innovation and skills gap challenges."

SEE ALSO: More Jaguar Land Rover SVR Models on the Way

Gorillaz has released five albums since 2000 and has sold more than 100-million records worldwide. Noodle will help to highlight the opportunities for young people to get involved and be part of the next generation of electric vehicle technology.

"The young minds of today are the engineers of tomorrow," said Noodle. "We are in the driving seat and our imaginations are the fuel. It's time to lead the charge and build a better world!"

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