Ford recalls 26,715 trucks and SUVs

This recall affects a multifunction switch in the steering column that could be defective and deform, causing electrical safety lighting functions (brake lights, turn signals, etc) to cease functioning.
This switch was installed on 2011 Ford Rangers manufactured beween January 25 and April 25 at the Twin Cities Assembly Plant. The suspect switch was also used as a replacement on the following vehicles;  2004-11 Ford Ranger; 2002-05 Ford Excursion; and 2002-07 F-250, F-350, F-450 and F-550
Ford will be notifying consumers soon and will replace the switch free of charge. Concerned owners can call Ford at 866.436.7332.

                                   

Ashok Leyland Sees

Ashok Leyland's net profit for the April-June quarter dropped by 30 percent, as local demand for Commercial Vehicles faded and financing costs rose. The Hinduja Group company posted a net profit of RS862.5 million ($19.38 million) in the April-June quarter, compared with RS1.23 billion rupees a year earlier.

Overall vehicle sales fell back by 10 percent from a year earlier to 19,277 units. The company sold 16,738 trucks and buses locally, a drop of 14 percent, while exports grew 31 percent to 2,539 vehicles.

"After the robust growth of 2010-11, the first quarter of this fiscal has seen a significant moderation,"  managing director Vinod K. Dasari said in a statement. "The rise in cost of ownership due to spiraling input costs, the rise in fuel prices, hardening interest rates and a fall in freight availability all contributed to this moderation."

Does VW have a surprise

No major international motor show is ever really underway until the Volkswagen Group displays its twice annual offering to Europe's automotive media.

Tonight's event – at VW's home show – saw world debuts for the VW Up, Seat IBL, Skoda MissionL, Audi A2, Porsche 911 and Lamborghini Super Trofeo among others.

Most impressive? It has to be the Up. This is a car with true global appeal – diminutive dimensions, spacious interior, efficient powertrains – and it also has its own styling identity, not something usually associated with new VWs. Read more about the Up here.

The Audi A2 impressed, too. The original A2 was perhaps ahead of its time, but credit to Audi for returning to the concept and e olving it even further. As VW chief Martin Winterkorn said tonight, "We must introduce sustainable products when the time is right." An environment-conscious 2011 seems like the perfect time.

Both Seat and Skoda concepts looked great. But where Skoda confirmed its MissionL for production, the Seat IBL has no such assurances. Surely, after three excellent concepts, it's time for VW to back Seat and actually put some cars into prod ction at the under-capacity Martorell?

Performance wise, we were treated to the ultimate Gallardo road car and the new Porsche 911. And, erm, a porcelain trimmed Veyron. The 911 was lined up next to all its illustrious ancestors and its proportions stood out in this company. Time will tell whether a wider 911 with a longer wheelbase and electric steering is better to drive.

It was also a night of very few surprises from the Group. We had Lamborghini's confirmation of the Sesto Elemento for production, buy little lse. Surely, on home soil, VW and co isn't going to let Jaguar and Land Rover steal the headlines with the C-X16 and new Defender? We'll bring you their response – if any – tomorrow.