Motorcycle Meets The Automobile

Here's some food for thought about the future of economical transportation.

The Highway Of The Future?

I have to wonder why the environmentalists haven't embraced this. Could it be because it's a highway, and not a multi-billion dollar mass transit system?

The Automotive Assembly Plant Of The Future — Today...

I've been to about a half dozen automotive assembly plants, but have never seen anything like this one.

VW and Chrysler issue large recalls

Both Volkswagen and Chrysler have announced large recalls to address possible fuel leaks and potential accidental air bag deployments.

Volkswagen is recalling more than 228,000 vehicles sold in the American market, including 2007-2009 model year Golf, Jetta, Jetta Sportwagen, Rabbit and 2006-2010 New Beetle small cars.

VW says on all of the recalled vehicles except the New Beetle, a small plastic tab in the windshield wiper fluid reservoir could rub against a fuel supply line under the hood. A fuel leak could develop and lead to fires.

Volkswagen is beginning its recall in late January and dealers will either remove the plastic tab or inspect the position of the clamp and adjust it free of charge.

On New Beetles under recall, a fastening clamp on the hydraulic hose of the power steering system could be located in the wrong place and rub against a fuel supply line that could create a fuel leak and cause a fire.

According to VW spokesman Kerry Christopher, there had been no reports of fires, crashes or injuries.

Chrysler is recalling more than 367,000 minivans to address potential accidental air bag deployments in 2008 model year Chrysler Town and Country and Dodge Grand Caravan minivans. The automaker said water could leak near the heating and air conditioner drain, which could cause the air bag warning light to go off and deploy the air bag by accident.

Chrysler's recall is expected to begin in February and dealers will replace the drain ring free of charge.

Chrysler spokesman Vince Muniga said the automaker was aware of 30 complaints of air bags deploying inadvertently and five injuries since February 2008.

Owners can contact Volkswagen at (800) 822-8987 and Chrysler (800) 853-1403.