USA RECALL #4 - A number of Mercedes models are being investigated for possible rear seatbelt anchor bolt incorrectly installed

 RECALL Subject : Right Rear Seat Belt Anchorage Bolt Misinstalled

Report Receipt Date: JUN 16, 2016 

NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V442000 

Component(s): SEAT BELTS 

Potential Number of Units Affected: 423 

Manufacturer: Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC.

SUMMARY:

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain model year 2015 ML250, ML350, ML350 4Matic, ML400 4Matic, ML63 AMG, and 2016 GLE450 AMG 4Matic vehicles manufactured from April 27, 2015, through May 19, 2015. The affected vehicles may have had the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt incorrectly installed.

CONSEQUENCE:

In the event of a vehicle crash, the right rear seatbelt anchor bolt could fail to secure the passenger, increasing their risk of injury.

REMEDY:

MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, correct the installation of the right rear seat belt anchor bolt, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in July 2016. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

USA RECALL - Lexus is recalling 2016 RX 350 & 450h due to possible improper manufacture of Knee Airbags.

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 5,000 Model Year 2016 Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h vehicles. 

The involved vehicles are equipped with a driver’s knee airbag module that may not have been properly manufactured.  This could affect the performance of the airbag and increase the risk of injury in a crash. 

All known owners of the involved Lexus vehicles will be notified by first class mail.   Lexus dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the driver’s knee airbag assembly free of charge.

Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time.  For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle’s status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).  Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site:safercar.gov/vin.  For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987.

UK RECALL #3 - HUSQVARNA - Numerous models for Piston Rod Detatchment issues.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	RM/2014/034
Manufacturer Ref :	TI 01-14-001
Make:	HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES LTD
Model :	FC250,350,450, FE250,350,450, 501,TC125, TC250 & TE125, TE250,TE300
Launch Date :	06/11/2014
Numbers Involved :	779
Build Start Date :	11/06/2014
Build End Date :	10/10/2014

Recall Details
Concern :	PISTON ROD MAY DETACH
Description :	The forks may not have been correctly assembled which could lead to initially knocking and the damping in the affected strut decreasing. If the condition is allowed to progress the inside of the fork will be damaged and the fork may seize.
Remedial Action :	Recall the machines that are likely to be affected and remove the fork cap. Check the locking nut for correct torque and tighten if necessary.
Vehicle Id :	VBKUAA400FM349416 to VBKUAA405FM357575 VBKUAA400FM349416 to VBKUAA405FM357575 VBKUAA400FM349416 to VBKUAA405FM357575 VBKUAA400FM349416 to VBKUAA405FM357575

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES LTD - FC HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES LTD - TE HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES LTD - TC HUSQVARNA MOTORCYCLES LTD - FE

USA RECALL #13 - Mercedes Benz recalls certain 2013 model year GLK models for high level brake light voltage issues.

SUMMARY:

Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (Mercedes Benz) is recalling certain model year 2013 GLK350 and GLK350 4-Matic vehicles, manufactured from May 31, 2012, through August 2, 2012, for failing to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment." The affected vehicles have voltage in the parking lamp circuit that exceeds the maximum value listed.

CONSEQUENCE:

The higher illumination level may cause glare to oncoming vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Mercedes Benz will notify owners, and dealers will update the software calibration number (SCN) of the subject electronic control unit. The recall began in September 2014. Owners may contact Mercedes Benz at 1-800-367-6372.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Mercedes-Benz announces pricing and engine ranges for new CLS-Class

• CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake feature a new look, new technology, a lower starting price and even more performance from the AMG variants
• CLS 63 AMG S model is introduced – replacing the standard car. Power is up 28 hp and torque rises by 80 NM to peak at 585 hp and 800 NM – all accompanied by a limited slip differential as standard
• New CLS 400 V6 petrol engine is introduced
• COMAND Online is now standard across the CLS range
• New 220 BlueTEC engine replaces 250 BlueTEC – brings with it lower CO2 output of 129 g/km
• Prices start from £46,500 RRP OTR for the CLS 220 BlueTEC and £48,080 RRP OTR for the Shooting Brake variant

The new generation CLS Coupé and Shooting Brake are set to arrive in the UK in September – featuring a new look and packed with new technology which is fitted as standard the new car promises to deliver even better value and lower emissions, as well as being the fastest and most efficient generation of CLS yet.

The range now starts with a new engine – the CLS 220 BlueTEC. Powered by a 2.1-litre diesel engine, the new addition generates 177 hp and 129 g/km of CO₂. The second diesel model is the six-cylinder 350 BlueTEC – producing 258 hp and emitting 142 g/km. The CLS 350 BlueTEC engine is linked, for the first time, to an all-new nine-speed gearbox as standard – lowering CO₂ by 18 g/km.

A new petrol six-cylinder engine has also been fitted to the CLS Coupé – the CLS 400 – taking the form of a 333 hp, 3,498cc V6. Topping the range is the mighty CLS 63 AMG S – now producing 585 hp (up 28 hp) and 800 NM of torque (up 80 NM) and it is equipped with a limited slip differential as standard. The changes bring down the 0-62 mph time from 4.2-seconds to 4.1-seconds (Shooting Brake: 4.2-seconds).

Across the new CLS range there are significant upgrades in the technologies fitted, with AMG Line now becoming the default specification of the car. This means COMAND Online, heated front seats and the ambient lighting system are all fitted as standard (helping towards a saving of £5,695 over the model it replaces). Two option packs are available – Premium Pack (comprising an electric sunroof, a seat memory package, a reversing camera and split/folding seats) and a Premium Plus Pack, featuring the same equipment as the Premium Pack but adding a Harman Kardon sound system and Keyless Go. The Premium Pack costs £2,395 and £2,095 respectively for the Coupé and Shooting Brake and the Premium Plus Pack costs £3,595 and £3,195.

The equipment line-up on the CLS 63 AMG S is even more comprehensive – with an electric sunroof, Keyless Go, the ambient lighting system, a Harmon Kardon sound system, a reversing camera, split folding rear seats and a powered tailgate being fitted as standard, saving a total of £4,115.

Likewise, on every CLS a new eight-inch tablet-style screen is fitted as standard, running the latest ‘NTG 5’ software allowing new Mercedes-Benz apps, including the Mercedes Me system, to be downloaded and used in the car. LED Multibeam headlights are also fitted to the new CLS as standard – allowing benchmark visibility at night without dazzling other road users.

The new generation CLS Coupé and CLS Shooting Brake are available to order from July with the first deliveries taking place in September.

UK pricing:

CLS Coupé:

Model	Transmission	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Economy (MPG)	CO2 (g/km)	Price (RRP OTR)
CLS 220 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,143 cc, four-cylinder	7G-Tronic Plus	177	400	56.5	129	£46,500
CLS 350 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,987 cc, six-cylinder	9G-Tronic Plus	258	620	52.3	142	£49,950
CLS 400, petrol, 3,498 cc, six-cylinder	7G-Tronic Plus	333	480	38.7	170	£55,850
CLS 63 AMG S, petrol, 5,461 cc, eight-cylinder	AMG MCT 7-speed	585	800	28.5	231	£86,500

CLS Shooting Brake: 

Model	Transmission	Power (hp)	Torque (Nm)	Economy (MPG)	CO2 (g/km)	Price (RRP OTR)
CLS 220 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,143 cc, four-cylinder	7G-Tronic Plus	177	400	56.5	132	£48,080
CLS 350 BlueTEC, diesel – 2,987 cc, six-cylinder	9G-Tronic Plus	258	620	49.6	149	£51,400
CLS 63 AMG S, petrol, 5,461 cc, eight-cylinder	AMG MCT 7-speed	585	800	28.0	235	£87,000

Lexus RC coupe to get world debut at Tokyo

• Concept-to-reality coupe that takes Lexus into new territory
• High-performance V6 petrol and hybrid powertrains that accentuate the RC’s sporting nature
• New Lexus styling direction in a dedicated coupe, including the strongest interpretation yet of the trademark Lexus spindle grille
• Driver’s cockpit design, with dedicated trim and high-contrast colours, emphasises the RC’s fun-to-drive character
• The all-new Lexus RC will make it world debut at the Tokyo motor show in 20 November.

Two versions will be unveiled: the RC 350, with a 3.5-litre V6 engine; and the RC 300h hybrid, with a 2.5-litre unit.

The new RC brings to life Lexus’s focus on giving its cars emotional appeal. A desirable two-door coupe, it is designed to raise the brand’s profile with a wider audience and customers who are new to Lexus. At the same time it displays elements that are fundamental to Lexus: build quality, refinement and reliability.

Exterior design

The designers have endowed the RC with deeply contoured lines of a kind never before seen on a Lexus and crafted the widest and lowest-set interpretation yet of the Lexus spindle grille.

Triangular headlamps capture the sporty characteristics of the earlier LF-LC concept, along with the novel three-lamp LED configuration that was part of the show car’s design.

At the rear, the sharp, thin appearance of the rear combination lamps follows the shape of the Lexus L motif.

The aluminium wheels further express the concept-to-production design philosophy, with two designs: a deeply sculpted, 10-spoke 19-inch wheel and a muscular, five-spoke 18-inch version. Both are precision-machined and finished with elegant black and platinum caps.

The hero colour for the RC is red, with a new Lexus painting process giving brighter and stronger contrasts through using multiple layers of clear and deeper-coloured coating.

The RC measures 4,695mm long, 1,840mm wide and 1,395mm high, with a 2,730mm wheelbase.

Interior design

The four-seat interior of the RC is also strongly influenced by Lexus’s sports concepts, reflected in the extensive use of contrasting colours, materials and lighting.

The purpose-designed lighting package gives a sense of occasion, with illumination that reflects upwards rather than down to envelop the cabin.

The high-contrast trim, including a striking new colour called Clove, emphasises the elegant lines around the interior, together with shimamoku highlights – a genuine wood finish created using an intense layering technique refined by Lexus.

The driver’s cockpit follows the established Lexus design principle of an upper operation zone and lower display zone. The upper zone houses the instrument panel and seven-inch navigation screen; lower down the layered centre console integrates the Remote Touch Interface controller.

The seats are made using an integrated foaming construction, similar to the moulding technique used for racing seats, to provide excellent comfort and support.

LEXUS #4 - 2014 ES range gets upgrades to cement its position as the car to own.

• New integrated Siri® Eyes-Free technology
• Standard 268-hp V6
• Available flagship-style amenities

The Lexus ES sedan line has a history of reshaping the entry-luxury segment, and the sixth-generation ES models introduced for 2013 raised the benchmark again, with increased interior room, a new hybrid, higher fuel efficiency in the V6 model and even more flagship-type amenities.

While the ES 300h hybrid has understandably taken the efficiency spotlight with its 40-mpg combined EPA fuel economy estimates, the ES 350, with a 268-horsepower V6, remains the sales leader in the line and is itself highly efficient, with a 31-mpg EPA highway fuel economy rating.

New for 2014, the ES 350 gains LED fog lamps and adds the availability of bamboo interior trim, which was already offered in the ES 300h. In addition, customers who do not prefer leather can now get heated/ventilated seats in perforated NuLuxe trim. Genuine leather-trim is available, as is semi-aniline leather for a more refined look and feel.

Long a leader in user technology that’s easy to use, Lexus has integrated Sirii® Eyes Free Mode, with technology licensed from Apple®, in the 2014 ES 350. Compatible with the iPhone® 4S and iPhone 5 models forward, Siri lets you call contacts, select and play music from iTunes®, get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple maps, and much more. To help you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel, Siri can read notifications, read calendar information and allow you to add reminders, calendar appointments and notes.

The Car That Reshaped Its Category
The original ES sedan upended the entry luxury category nearly 25 years ago by making a V6 standard in a segment populated by four-cylinder models, and by offering more interior room and more standard luxury amenities. Lexus continues to set the trend in the entry-luxury segment by virtue of a unique two-model sedan strategy: The front-wheel drive ES models emphasize roominess and comfort, and the sport-minded IS models, which are built on a different platform, offer a choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. In contrast, other brands try to mold one model series to fit both roles.

The ES 350 offers an unmistakable look in the class, thanks in large part to the brand’s distinctive spindle grille design flanked by L-themed LED daytime running lights. The roof sweeps back for a coupe-like stance, and the taillights repeat the L motif. The shape cheats the wind with a low 0.27 coefficient of drag (Cd), which helps fuel efficiency while minimizing wind noise.

This generation ES 350 design also fools the eye, offering more interior space in a sleeker package. The 1.8-inch stretch in wheelbase over the previous generation yielded a 4.1-inch gain in rear seat legroom, which now stretches to 40 inches (on par with larger sedans) and a 2.8-inch increase in knee room.
Even with the sleeker roofline, this generation ES 350 offers nearly an inch more rear seat headroom than the previous generation.  Rear passengers also get more foot space below the front seats.

Lexus filled the larger space with comfort, features and design details that belie the “entry luxury” label. The ES 350 comes standard with 10-way adjustable power front seats, automatic climate control, NuLuxe interior available in parchment, light gray or black and elegant piano black trim for instrument panel, doors and upper console. Lexus offers espresso bird’s eye maple for the trim or, new for 2014, bamboo. Also available, 12-way heated/ventilated power front seats allow the seat cushions to extend by 1.4 inches for added leg support.

Several options take luxury to an even higher level, including the optional Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) that helps detect vehicles in side blind spots and alerts the driver to rear cross traffic when backing out of a parking spot. Also available are Premium and Luxury packages, and bringing flagship-style luxury to the ES 350, the Ultra Luxury Package.

Lexus has been on the forefront of optimal ergonomics, a brand strength that’s helped to make multi-media system controls easy to operate. The ES 350 cockpit is divided into separate “display” and “operation” zones to help the driver remain focused on the road. Large, clear Optitron® gauges, a Lexus mainstay, are supplemented by a 3.5-inch color TFT multi-information display screen that puts vital information directly in the driver’s line of sight.

Lexus designed the ES 350’s controls to help reduce both driver body movement and eye movement.  The ES 350’s available second-generation Remote Touch Interface (RTI) is designed to provide access to many vehicle functions while helping to reduce driver movement. Using the system controller on the center console, the driver can intuitively operate the climate control, audio system, phone, optional navigation system and more, which helps the driver with paying attention to the road.  Menus display in the 3.5-inch instrument panel screen or larger center-dashboard screens that come with audio and navigation options.

Premium Quiet, Premium Sound
The ultra-quiet cabins of Lexus vehicles have provided ideal settings for the high-quality premium audio the brand has always offered. The standard Lexus Premium Sound System in the 2014 ES exemplifies the brand’s expertise in mobile audio performance. The eight-speaker system plays from a variety of sources, including the in-dash CD player, USB/iPod® connectivity, and an integrated SiriusXM® Satellite Radio receiver with a 90-day trial subscription. Automatic Sound Levelizer (ASL) adjusts system volume in response to ambient noise.

The first level upgrade is the Display Audio package, which adds a seven-inch screen, HD Radio™ with iTunes® tagging, Bluetooth® audio, phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and a rear backup camera.

The pinnacle of audio performance in any new Lexus comes from the availability of industry-exclusive Mark Levinson® premium sound systems. Audiophiles recognize the brand for high-end home equipment. The 2014 ES 350’s optional 15-speaker, 835-watt audio system is a sonic knockout. This system features an eight-inch display screen, HD Radio with iTunes tagging, DVD audio/video and a SiriusXM Satellite Radio receiver. Exclusive GreenEdge technology doubles amplifier output while reducing its energy consumption by 50 percent. The reduced electrical load on the car contributes to better fuel efficiency.

Lexus Enform®Helps Keep You Connected
Lexus has expanded connectivity in its vehicles while helping to reduce driver distraction. The foundation of this capability, Lexus Enform, can make a compatible Bluetooth smartphone even smarter. The available Enform service, with Destination Assist, eDestination, and App Suite, comes with the Navigation System/Mark Levinson Audio Package.  Lexus Enform provides access to the subscription-free App Suite.  These voice-enabled apps let you search the Internet through Bing™, make restaurant reservations through OpenTable®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com™, listen to Internet radio, including , Pandora®, and  iHeartRadio™, search business reviews on Yelp®, and check in on  Facebook Places™.

The ES 350’s telematics system, Lexus Enformwith Safety Connect® is available by subscription. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are available on all purchases of new Lexus vehicles equipped with these features. Safety Connect is standard on all vehicles while Lexus Enform with Safety Connect is on all vehicles equipped with the optional Navigation system. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—every day of the year.
Lexus Enform vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative SiriusXM services including NavTraffic, NavWeather, Sports, Stocks and Fuel Prices. SiriusXM services offer complimentary one-year trial data subscription.

High-Efficiency V6
The silken-smooth 3.5-liter V6 powering the ES 350 will take car from zero to 60 mph in just 7.1 seconds, and its 248 lb.-ft. of peak torque ensures quick, seamless response in everyday driving. Efficient use of fuel is another key talent of this highly responsive engine. It’s interesting to note that this engine, a full liter larger in displacement than the original 1990 ES 250’s V6 and with 71-percent more horsepower, also is rated much higher in fuel efficiency. The 31-mpg EPA highway fuel economy rating beats its forbear by a whopping 35-percent (figure for 1990 model adjusted to current EPA standards).

The ES 350’s six-speed automatic transmission also gets much credit for the outstanding combination of performance, efficiency and quiet ride.

The ES 350 driver can tailor powertrain response and other settings to suit conditions or the mood. ECO mode adjusts engine response and climate-control settings to help maximize fuel economy. Sport mode sharpens throttle and transmission response for a more engaging driving experience, while Normal mode is designed to provide an ideal balance of performance and efficiency.

Strong on Safety
In addition to its five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Lexus ES 350 offers the peace of mind of a cabin equipped with 10 airbags and an array of available driver aids including a Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Lane Departure Alert (LDA).

What’s New for 2014

• LED fog lamps included with HID headlamps
• Available Bamboo interior trim selection
• Available heated/ventilated front seats in perforated NuLuxe trim
• Siri Eyes Free technology from Apple; compatible with iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 models

Chassis/Body/Suspension/Tires/Brakes

• Compared to previous-generation ES 350, suspension changes, a stiffer body and a quicker steering gear ratio help deliver more precise handling.
• Front suspension employs opposite-wound coil springs to help enhance straight-line control.
• Revised rear suspension geometry and improved shock absorber damping characteristics enhance ride comfort.
• Steering gear ratio has been reduced from 16.1:1 to 14.8:1 to help deliver a more responsive and direct steering feel.
• Increased body rigidity was achieved through lightweight, high tensile strength steel, added bracing and more spot welds then previous generation models.
• Airflow is smoothed beneath the vehicle, enhancing driver control and fuel economy.
• Equipped with standard 215/55R17 low rolling resistance tires on 17-inch alloy wheels or optional high-gloss 17-inch wheels.
• 18-inch high-gloss alloy wheels are offered.

Safety/Security Features

• Available Lane Departure Alert (LDA) is integrated with automatic high beam dimming technology.
• The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) uses sub-millimeter wave radar, designed to detect certain obstructions traveling ahead and prepare the vehicle for a potential collision.
• The ES features a class-leading 10 airbags as standard equipment, including driver and front passenger knee, driver and front passenger front and seat-mounted side air bags, as well as rear outboard seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags.
• Whiplash Injury Lessening (WIL) front seats are designed to limit excessive head movement in certain rear-end collisions, helping to decrease the severity of whiplash-type injuries.

Warranty

• 48-month/50,000 mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
• 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
• 72 months corrosion perforation protection coverage, regardless of mileage.