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Dodge recalls 2008-2011 Ram 4500, 5500 pickups over potential steering loss

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Work, Chrysler, Dodge

Dodge Ram 4500

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler is recalling model year 2008-2011 Dodge Ram 4500 and 5500 Heavy Duty trucks. The culprit is apparently the left ball stud on the tie rod that could weaken and potentially fracture, which could result in a loss of steering control.

As NHTSA plainly states, “loss of steering control of the vehicle could increase the risk of a crash.” And that’s a bad thing. Directions on contacting Chrysler or NHTSA can be found after the break, and, of course, the automaker will be fixing affected models free of charge.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Dodge recalls 2008-2011 Ram 4500, 5500 pickups over potential steering loss

Dodge recalls 2008-2011 Ram 4500, 5500 pickups over potential steering loss originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Dec 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota sends four Hilux pickups across Antarctica à la Top Gear

Filed under: Truck, Work, Toyota, Specialty

Toyota Hilux goes to Antartica

Toyota Hilux goes to Antartica – Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks in part to the work of the crew at Top Gear, the Toyota Hilux pickup has garnered a reputation for being all but unstoppable. Whether it’s being left to suffer at the hands of a rising tide, plummeting from the top of a demolished housing complex or roaming the Antarctic wastes, there just seems to be no beating the Hilux.

Toyota itself has set about showing the world just what these vehicles are capable of by taking the pickup on a brutal 2,858-mile trek across our planet’s southern-most continent. During the adventure, the vehicles faced temperatures down to negative 68.8 degrees Farenheit and altitudes of over 11,100 feet.

Though the trucks were specially-prepared by the aptly-named company Artic Trucks, their 3.0-liter diesel engines were left bone stock. Over the trip, the Hilux proved it could keep pace with just about any tracked vehicle while still returning better fuel economy than just about any other expedition vehicle. That’s important when a single barrel of oil can cost as much as $10,000 once it reaches the Antarctic shore. Hit the jump to check out the full press release.

Gallery: Toyota Hilux goes to Antartica

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota sends four Hilux pickups across Antarctica à la Top Gear

Toyota sends four Hilux pickups across Antarctica à la Top Gear originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler recalling 76,000 Ram pickups over braking concerns

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, Dodge

2009 Dodge Ram pickup

Dodge Ram – Click above for high-res image gallery

Chrysler is recalling 76,112 Dodge Ram trucks for a problem that may result in brake pedals that don’t return as quickly as they should. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the issue is specific to 2010 and 2011 model year diesel trucks. Models made between March 2009 and October 2010 may have been built with power steering reservoir caps with “excessive vent pressure levels.” Somehow, the faulty power steering cap causes the brake pedals to be slow to return.

We aren’t entirely clear on how the power steering cap impacts the braking system, but NHTSA says that the danger isn’t that drivers won’t be able to stop their trucks – the brakes release when they should. Instead, the vehicle’s brake lights will stay illuminated for too long, increasing the likelihood of an accident.

Chrysler says it has received 175 reports of the issue, but it has received no reports of any accidents or injuries stemming from the defect. Chrysler will notify owners of affected trucks that it will inspect and replace the power steering reservoir cap for free as necessary. Hit the jump to see the full NHTSA campaign report.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Dodge Ram

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]

Continue reading Chrysler recalling 76,000 Ram pickups over braking concerns

Chrysler recalling 76,000 Ram pickups over braking concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM recalling pickups for missing child seat tether

Filed under: Truck, Recalls, Safety, GM

General Motors is recalling nearly 200,000 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon and Isuzu i280 and i370 pickups. The vehicles are apparently equipped with a top child restraint tether anchor that’s not accessible as required by federal law in the center seating position. This means parents could fail to secure their children properly, potentially causing injury in the event of a collision. GM says that it discourages using a child safety seat in the center due to the proximity of the airbags. The recall covers 2004-2011 Canyon and Colorado models and 2007-2008 Isuzu trucks.

GM says that its dealerships will service the vehicles under the recall free of charge.

At this point, the company is unaware of any injuries caused by the design defect. Click past the jump for the full press release.

[Source: GM]

Continue reading GM recalling pickups for missing child seat tether

GM recalling pickups for missing child seat tether originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First pickups tested using NHTSA’s new crash testing system

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Safety, Chevrolet, Dodge, GM, GMC, Toyota

2011 Dodge Ram crash test

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration rolled in the first batch of pickup trucks to be tested using its latest Five-Star New Car Assessment Program. Three trucks were tested: the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (this truck’s scores were also applied to the nearly identical GMC Sierra 1500), 2011 Ram 1500 and Toyota Tacoma.

Of the trucks tested, the pair from General Motors recorded the best scores, earning a Combined score of four stars. The 2011 Tacoma also managed a Combined score of four stars, but performed significantly worse than the GM trucks in NHTSA’s front crash testing, taking home just two stars for the passenger.

Bringing up the rear in this round of testing is the Ram 1500 (non-Heavy Duty). While Chrysler’s full-size pickup managed a Combined rating of three stars, it floundered in the agency’s tough new pole test with just one star being awarded. Check out PickupTrucks.com for more analysis on the results, and search NHTSA’s full 2011-model-year crash testing database here.

[Source: NHTSA via PickupTrucks.com]

First pickups tested using NHTSA’s new crash testing system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Autoblog Podcast #204: Top Gear USA interview, Chrysler refreshes, LA Auto Show, HD Pickups and Lamborghini Engines

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Chrysler, Dodge, GM, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mazda, Design/Style

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #204 of the Autoblog Podcast is awesome. Not only are we joined by David “the new guy” Kiley, but wait, there’s more! Jeremy Korzeniewski got the Top Gear USA crew on the phone for a chat. After that, Chris, Dan, Zach and David talk Chrysler’s pile of revamped models, the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show, the Pickuptrucks.com HD smackdown, Lamborghini’s new powertrain, and as always, we finish with your questions and feedback. It’s a satisfying two hours and fifteen minutes this week. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #204: Top Gear USA interview, Chrysler refreshes, LA Auto Show, HD Pickups and Lamborghini Engines

In the Autoblog Garage:

Lincoln MKS Ecoboost
Land Rover LR4
Mazda CX-9

News Topics:

Top Gear USA Interview
LA Auto Show Primer
2011 Chryslers
Battle of the HD Pickups… Chevy Wins
Lamborghini reveals all-new 6.5-liter V12
37 MPG Buick LaCrosse on the way

Hosts:
Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Zach Bowman, David Kiley
Runtime: 2:14:15

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)

Review the show in iTunes and take our survey

Autoblog Podcast #204: Top Gear USA interview, Chrysler refreshes, LA Auto Show, HD Pickups and Lamborghini Engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Newsweek investigates why rebel groups always seem to be driving Toyota pickups

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Toyota, Military, Off-Road

Somali Fighters in a Toyota Hilux

It turns out that the Toyota Hilux isn’t just a favorite with fans of Top Gear. According to Newsweek, the unbeatable little pickup from Japan is also a vital cog in various insurgent war machines around the globe. With its combination of reliability, affordability, ubiquity and capability, the bare-bones truck has been a favorite with rebel groups of various nationalities since it first hit the scene in the late ’60s. In the more than 40 years since, the Hilux has shown up in conflicts from Nicaragua, Rwanda, Somalia and Ethopia to Pakistan and Iraq. If you’re looking for the automotive equivalent of the AK-47, you’ve found it.

Newsweek even says that U.S. Special Forces has been known to make use of a Hilux or two on occasion in favor of the heavier, more cumbersome and more expensive Humvee. In most war zones, the Toyota has become the modern equivalent of light cavalry – delivering both weapons and troops over rough terrain in quick order. Throw in the fact that a .50 caliber weapon can be mounted in the bed, and the truck’s versatility grows by leaps and bounds.

Head over to Newsweek to read the very interesting full article for yourself. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: Newsweek | Image: Mustafa Abdi/AFP/Getty]

Newsweek investigates why rebel groups always seem to be driving Toyota pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mahindra brushes back Global Vehicles, “rejects any attempt to order” pickups

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Etc., India

Mahindra Pik-Up

Mahindra Pik-Up – Click above for high-res image gallery

The automotive soap opera that is Mahindra keeps on turning. Today, the Indian automaker issued a statement regarding the claims put forth by Global Vehicles. Mahindra accuses GV of “engaging in PR theatrics while pursuing an unnecessary lawsuit.” It states that the contract with Global Vehicles expired and Mahindra is free to pursue other means of bringing its Pik-Up to its network of waiting U.S. dealers. It has effectively rejected Global Vehicles’ $35 million order. Mahindra further claims that Global Vehicles is working hard to damage its reputation while disrupting its attempts to bring the vehicle stateside.

Honestly, we would love to see this little truck land in dealer lots here, but we don’t know how this drama will play out. Both sides are pointing fingers and we expect name calling to soon follow. Either way, this doesn’t appear to a very productive way of expediting vehicles to showrooms, now does it?

Read the full statement after the jump.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

mahindra-pickup-large_21 mahindra-pickup-large_11 mahindra-pickup-large_22 mahindra-pickup-large_12 mahindra-pickup-large_13

[Source: Mahindra]

Continue reading Mahindra brushes back Global Vehicles, “rejects any attempt to order” pickups

Mahindra brushes back Global Vehicles, “rejects any attempt to order” pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Global Vehicles announces $35M initial order of Mahindra pickups for U.S.

Filed under: Truck, Etc., Earnings/Financials

Mahindra Pik-up

Mahindra Pik-Up – Click above for high-res image gallery

Mahindras road to the United States has been interesting so far, to say the least. It’s changed the trucks model name, seen delays in a target launch date, caused delays and broken contracts.

Many here in the states are eagerly awaiting the arrival of an official on-sale date for the Pik-up. The biggest group waiting for that announcement might just be Global Vehicles, the U.S. distributor for the little truck with potential big appeal. Global Vehicles has already invested nearly $100 million to bring the vehicle to the US and now they’ve placed an initial order for the Mahindra pickups to the tune of $35 million.

John Perez, CEO of Global Vehicles, says:

“We are proud of the sales and service network we created to support the launch of Mahindra vehicles, and we look forward to bringing American buyers something truly unique in the marketplace – rugged, high-quality, clean diesel pickup trucks that can achieve nearly 30 miles per gallon. Our dealers are all seasoned auto industry professionals who will treat customers with honesty, integrity and respect. We built our business on these bedrock principles, which should be the foundation of every business relationship.”

Perez goes on to state that he believes Global Vehicles will prevail in the pending arbitration case against Mahindra. This would force Mahindra to honor its agreement with GV. The offending clause states that Mahindra could walk away from the deal if its truck did not pass EPA testing by a certain date. Mahindra claimed this last-minute contract change was to protect against potential losses if its truck didn’t receive the EPA certification. The deadline dates came up three times, with Perez’s company extending the deadline each time. The most recent time passed on June 11. Ten days after that deadline, Mahindra announced its vehicles were certified for sale and declared its relationship with GV now void.

It will be very interesting to watch this play out. The Pik-Up is supposed to be an affordable and capable, fuel-efficient truck which could be a perfect fit for many U.S. buyers. It’s clear that Global Vehicles remains extremely committed to its investment and hopefully we see the distinctly-styled trucklet roaming our streets in the near future.

Full press release available after the jump.

Gallery: Mahindra Pik-Up

mahindra-pickup-large_21 mahindra-pickup-large_11 mahindra-pickup-large_22 mahindra-pickup-large_12 mahindra-pickup-large_13

[Source: Global Vehicles]

Continue reading Global Vehicles announces $35M initial order of Mahindra pickups for U.S.

Global Vehicles announces $35M initial order of Mahindra pickups for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Sep 2010 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Fuel economy standards could add up to $15K to price of heavy-duty pickups

Filed under: Truck, Government/Legal, Work, Diesel

2010 Dodge Ram 3500

It’s no secret that today’s crop of full-size heavy duty pickup trucks cost a pretty penny to purchase and operate. To wit, the 2010 Dodge Ram 3500 Heavy Duty Mega Cab that we recently reviewed carried a sticker price of over $56,000. A large chunk of that asking price can be accounted for by the 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine – largely responsible for the truck’s massively impressive capabilities.

Of course, it’s also going to cost quite a few Benjamins to keep that truck running on a steady diet of low-sulfur diesel fuel, and the Feds are considering some legislation that could potentially have a massive impact on both fuel consumption and the aforementioned bottom line… both positively and negatively, depending on your point of view. While we all want better fuel efficiency, we doubt many would be willing to front a staggering $15,000 surcharge on top of their already pricey work truck for the mileage benefits.

According to a new study by The National Academies, there are lots of ways to increase the fuel economy of a full-size HD pickup, some of which cost just a few hundred dollars. Others, such as adding a hybrid powertrain or switching from a gasoline-fed engine to a diesel, cost several thousand dollars each.

At present, truck manufacturers aren’t required to meet any specific fuel mileage requirements. But that’s soon to change, as the the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Transportation are drafting up a series of regulations for these types of trucks. Exactly what those regulations will entail – and, of course, how much added price they will require to meet – isn’t yet known. Stay tuned, and check out PickupTrucks.com for more data from the study.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Report: Fuel economy standards could add up to $15K to price of heavy-duty pickups originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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