Auto Events

DETROIT, MI - Honda is recalling more than 225,000 minivans and SUVs in North America — including 20,800 in Canada — to fix a problem with the automatic shifters.

The recall includes the Honda CR-V small SUV and Odyssey minivan from the 2012 and 2013 model years. Also covered is the 2013 Acura RDX SUV.

Honda says the device that stops drivers from shifting out of park without a foot on the brake may not work properly, particularly in below-freezing temperatures.

The company says no complaints, crashes or injuries have been reported due to the problem. It was discovered during an internal investigation.

Honda will notify owners in mid-May and will make repairs free of charge.

Earlier this month, Honda, along with five other automakers issued a massive recall for 3.4 million older model vehicles worldwide due to defective air bags.

— With files from Canadian Press

TORONTO – The Ford Fusion hybrid today won the first annual Canadian Green Car Award.

The award, selected by a panel of expert members of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, was announced at the Green Living Show, in Toronto.

The competition aims to recognize vehicles with the potential for strong environmental benefits and to provide consumers with authoritative information about them.

“We are extremely proud that the 2013 Ford Fusion hybrid has been honoured by our country’s top automotive journalists as the recipient of the inaugural Canadian Green Car Award,” said Steve Ross, Ford of Canada’s product marketing manager, sustainability and electrification. “The Fusion hybrid is an important vehicle in the Ford line-up, delivering leading fuel-economy, innovative technologies and a sleek, desirable design for eco-conscious consumers.”

The Fusion hybrid was among five finalists for the award from 15 environmentally advanced vehicles nominated by their manufacturers.  This group also included the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in hybrid, Hyundai Sonata hybrid, Mazda’s Mazda3 highly efficient internal-combustion compact and Volkswagen Jetta Turbocharged Hybrid.

The competition not only emphasized fuel economy and emissions, but also considered other environmental features within each vehicle – for example, use of recycled or naturally sourced materials – and steps each manufacturer has taken to green its operations.  Equally important, it assessed market potential – factors such as build quality, driving experience, overall features, availability, general consumer appeal and price.

“The competition has made it clear that driving a green vehicle isn’t a dull, obligation. On the contrary – they can be great fun,” said Peter Gorrie, chair of AJAC’s Green Car Award steering committee, who presented the trophy. “We’re just at the beginning of a green revolution in cars. We want this award to help everyone understand and appreciate it, and make the best possible choice for themselves and the environment.”

“Green Living is pleased to support and host the award, which fits our focus of helping consumers to make environmentally sound choices,” said Laurie Simmonds, president and CEO of Green Living Enterprises, the show’s operator. “We congratulate Ford and all the manufacturers that nominated such impressive vehicles in the competition, and look forward to many more years of jointly promoting the most innovative green cars on the market.

“AJAC believes that green technologies mean the evolution of the automobile, not its demise,” said president Charles Renny. “The fact that automobiles can adapt and thrive speaks volumes about those who love cars and are passionate about preserving our planet.  The Canadian Green Car Award is the first step down the path of embracing that future.”

Other nominees included the Chevrolet Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel, Chevrolet Volt, Ford Edge EcoBoost, Ford Focus Electric, Mazda CX-5, Mazda6, Mercedes-Benz B 250 Turbo, Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf and Smart Fortwo Electric Drive.

DEARBORN, MI – Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor, the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup truck, has a new Special Edition package customers can order that adds more unique touches to the hot-selling pickup.

Ford today reveals the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, which adds unique new touches to Raptor’s existing Luxury Package, including a Ruby Red Metallic exterior color and box-side graphics. Interior upgrades include Brick Red seat bolsters with black inserts and cloth honeycomb highlights, console top finish panel, and centre stack and door panel appliqué accents. Raptor Special Edition is also available in Tuxedo Black Metallic.

The 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition goes on sale this fall.

“Raptor owners are looking for a high-performing, uncompromising off-road pickup truck with the features and luxuries found in today’s premium trucks,” said Doug Scott, truck group marketing manager, Ford Motor Company. “Since its launch in 2009, we’ve continually moved Raptor forward in capability and design, and the 2014 Special Edition is the best Raptor yet.”

SVT Raptor prowess and power

Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has set the benchmark for low- and high-speed off-road performance through aggressive all-terrain tires, industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, skid plates and standard Hill Descent Control™.

A Raptor development imperative has been continuous improvement, so Ford expanded Raptor’s footprint for 2011 with a four-door SuperCrew model joining the two-door SuperCab original.

For 2012, Ford began offering a grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks or other obstacles. The 2012 addition of a Torsen® limited-slip differential to Raptor’s 4WD system enables the truck to balance traction between both front wheels.

For 2013, industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels were added to help increase grip in low-traction conditions, along with high-intensity discharge headlamps for improved visibility. SYNC® with MyFord Touch® was also made available for added connectivity.

SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-litre V8 engine producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic® functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

The front axle features a Torsen® differential with 4.10 to 1 gearing. The rear axle is also 4.10 to 1, with an electronic-locking differential.

Chrysler has announced separate recalls for roughly 170,000 vehicles, including more than 9,000 in Canada, for problems involving fuel tanks in some SUVs and air bag warning lights in a number of sedans. Chrysler is recalling about 30,000 small SUVs because a faulty hose inside the gas tank. The recall affects Jeep Patriot and Jeep Compass four-wheel-drive vehicles from the 2012 model year. The company says the SUVs have saddle-style gas tanks that go around the rear drive shaft. Fuel is pumped from one side of the tank to the other through a hose. But Chrysler says some of the hoses weren't formed right in manufacturing and they can stop the flow of gas, causing the engine to stall. Chrysler says it's aware of one crash but no injuries or fires due to the problem. Approximately 20,500 vehicles involved in the recall are in the United States, 2,300 in Canada, 50 in Mexico and 7,400 outside the NAFTA region. Meanwhile, Chrysler is also recalling almost 138,000 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Dodge Challenger sedans made between April 2011 and December 2011, including both 2011 and 2012 model years, because their air bag warning lights can illuminate for no reason. Affected are approximately 119,000 vehicles in the U.S., 7,000 in Canada, 880 in Mexico and 11,000 outside the NAFTA region. Chrysler says no one has been injured as a result of the defect, which is caused by improper wiring. The company started investigating after getting customer complaints. In both cases, Chrysler says it will fix affected vehicles for free.