Automatic Transmission Problem: Honda Recalls 135.142 Vehicles Canada

Honda is voluntarily recalling about 135.142 vehicles in Canada to conduct an update of the control software of automatic transmission.

Some models equipped Accord four-cylinder engines years 2005 to 2010, CR-V Element 2007 to 2010 and from 2005 to 2008 will be affected by this voluntary recall.

The Japanese automaker said that if the software is not updated, the level of the output shaft of automatic transmission vehicles listed may be damaged if the driver makes a quick shifts between the positions reverse , neutral and forward. These situations can occur when trying to identify a vehicle stuck in mud or snow.

If the level of the secondary shaft is damaged, the engine may stall. It could also be difficult to activate the mechanism for parking the vehicle.

No injuries or deaths have been reported so far about this situation.

Honda will send recall notices to customers as of August 31.





source : Probl�me de bo�te automatique: Honda Canada rappelle 135 142 v�hicules

Alfa Romeo Offer SUV, Expects to Stimulate Sales

After years of selling niche vehicles like the Spider, Brera, and GT, Alfa Romeo is planning to add an SUV to its lineup (Autocar reports). The idea of an Alfa-branded SUV isn�t new though, dating back to at least 2003 with the Kamal concept. But the plan to turn Alfa into a volume manufacturer, hatched by Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne, is what really pushed the idea into reality. With an SUV in its lineup, Alfa will be better equipped to compete with the likes of BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. Parent-company Fiat expects 500,000 Alfa sales per year by 2014, adding an SUV could be vital to the brand�s future success, especially with the brand planning to reenter the U.S. market by 2013.

The C-SUV�s underpinnings, Fiat�s new Compact Plus Global Modular Architecture, will support four-wheel-drive and Fiat engineers say that the chassis can be tuned to better suit Alfa�s sporty nature, despite being a modular platform. According to Autocar, the C-SUV�s off-road capabilities will be similar to that of the Euro-market Nissan Qashqai, a relative of the U.S.-market Rogue. Autocar also speculates that the C-SUV will receive similar engines to those used in the Guilia, including a 1.8-liter direct-injected gasoline I-4 with Fiat�s Multiair 2 technology, producing around 200 hp and a 140-hp 2.0-liter diesel engine featuring Multijet and Multiair technologies. Autocar also believes a 273-hp 3.3-liter version of Chrysler�s Pentastar V-6 might be used in the range-topping model, while a 3.0-liter diesel V-6 producing anywhere from 220 to 250 hp could be used in the higher-end diesel models.

Based on a stretched Giulia platform that will underpin the forthcoming BMW 3 Series-sized sedan, Alfa�s new SUV, codenamed C-SUV, will be built next to its sister car, a Jeep model to replace both the Compass and the Patriot, in late 2012. Produced at Fiat�s Mirafori plant in Turin, Italy, 280,000 Jeep- and Alfa-branded SUVs are expected to roll out every year. Of those units, at least 100,000 will be Alfa C-SUVs�half of which will be destined for the U.S.

With only four models in its current lineup, adding an SUV to its offerings will help strengthen Alfa�s appeal for American audiences. While the C-SUV will likely be the brand�s entry-level SUV, a Jeep Grand Cherokee-based SUV is also planned to go into production shortly after Alfa�s reentry into the U.S. market. Combined with the rest of Alfa�s future lineup, including the flagship 4C sports car and upcoming variants of the Giulia and Mito subcompact, these SUVs will help Alfa reach Marchionne�s goal of selling 85,000 units in the U.S. as soon as 2014.