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Mazda to Recall 280,000 Demio and Verisa Compact Models in Japan

Despite the strict quality control that the Hiroshima-base automaker is employing on the production of its vehicles still there are defects or flaws that seem to slip undetected and unfortunately it is only when customers start complaining that such defects are discovered.

And just recently Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will be recalling more than 280,000 cars in Japan due to defects. This is currently the biggest vehicle recall of the automaker on record in Japan.

Mazda will recall 287,987 Demio and Verisa compact models produced between June 2003 and July 2006. The defects were found to affect the clutch systems and coil springs in the suspensions according to Mazda spokeswoman Aya Takahashi. She also added that so far there were no injuries or damage that have been reported but of course the automaker will not wait until for their customers to get hurt so they are announcing a recall.

The automaker will conduct the repairs for free however it did not specify the total cost of the current recalls.

Mazda spokeswoman Takahashi further stated that there are some 25,559 Demios much popularly known as Mazda2 overseas that were exported during that time. These cars are not included in the domestic recall but Mazda assured that it will handle the defects of exported models inline with local regulations.

Out of the 25,559 exported Demios, 20,850 were shipped to Australia, 1,166 vehicles were taken to New Zealand, 1,147 to Singapore, and 262 units to Hong Kong. The present 280,000 recall is the largest recall in Japan ever since the Mazda has began taking recall data in 1994 explained Takahashi. She said that the company’s previously recorded recall was for 162,405 vehicles which were in March of 2004.

One of the causes of the present recall is related to the coil springs with coatings that can be removed easily attributed to the inappropriate installation of the parts said Takahashi. The danger of this is that the coil will rust but the worst scenario is that it will break and might cause accident.

Another problem pertains to the material used to cap the hydraulic oil used in the clutch system since it could leak causing the clutch not to function properly.

Mazda Is not the only Japanese automaker that is experiencing an increasing number of recall this is because once defective products are found in a certain model it usually affects other models since usually this same parts like for example Mazda headlights are often used for multiple models among automakers.

Last March, Honda Motor Co. has also announced a recall of more than 290,000 vehicles from its 13 models. The reason for the recall was to repair a manufacturing defect that could stop the cars’ engines.

About Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Motor Corporation has started manufacturing tools since the year 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. Then in the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines.

Mazda’s headquarter is located in Hiroshima in western Japan and today the automaker ranks as one of Japan’s leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. Mazda’s overseas sales account for more than half of its total turnover. Mazda has two main production sites in Japan and 19 overseas facilities. The Overseas sites include joint ventures based in the United States, and also in Thailand. Ford Motor Company is Mazda’s largest shareholder.

Kraig Johanssen is a native of Connecticut and holds a degree in Software Engineering. He now works at a software development firm in Alabama. His love for writing and great interest on cars makes him a proficient contributing author to various automotive magazines.

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Posted in Accord | Tags: 280000, Compact, Demio, Japan, Mazda, Models, Recall, Verisa | No Comments »

?carmakers Must Cut Co2 Emissions? – Ghosn

Carmakers must take the lead in reducing carbon dioxide emissions to fight global warming, but one industry alone cannot solve the problem, said the chief of Renault and Nissan Sunday.

Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., said that there was debate in Europe and the United States on possible legislation to enforce cuts in carbon dioxide emissions. While the auto industry must take the lead, the exec called for an ‘integrated approach’ to fight global warming concerns.

“You are not going to fight emission by singling out on one industry because carbon dioxide is emitted by many industries. If you want to fight global warming, we need to have an integrated approach,” he said at the start of the two-day World Economic Forum on East Asia, an assembly of government and business leaders to discuss the region’s growth.

Ghosn said that the car industry needs to make a “significant and reasonable” contribution to reducing carbon dioxide, one of several greenhouse gases that are causing a rise in global temperatures. “The car industry has to step up and make its contribution first so there is no suspicion that you are going for an integrated approach because you don’t want it to happen,” he said. “This is not jockeying for position between one industry and another. This is taking care of the planet.”

As the auto industry focuses on the development of hydrogen-powered cars which emit no more than water vapor and do not spew carbon dioxide, Ghosn said that carmakers must also ensure that the production of hydrogen does not contribute to pollution. Though the cuts will not affect the Nissan spoiler and other auto accessories, the enhancement of the crucial parts will cost automakers a fortune. Vehicle emission cuts are part government’s efforts to slash greenhouse gasses.

The United Nation’s treaty caps the amount of carbon dioxide that can be emitted from factories, and power plants in industrialized countries. The treaty will expire 2012. At present, developing countries like China and India are exempt from the obligations. This is why both the U.S. States and Australia have declined to join the treaty.

In June, President George W. Bush proposed that the 15 biggest emitters of greenhouse gases hold meetings and set an emissions goal. However, each country would be able to decide independently on how to implement it.

Separately, the Japanese automaker said that it will purchase more components from China and India. This was announced after profit declined for the first time since 2000. Ghosn said the automaker will raise global component purchases from low-cost countries to as much as 24 percent of the total, from as much as 14 percent now.

“Frankly, we have no choice,” Ghosn added. “If you don’t transfer part of your supply to extremely competitive countries, then there is no way you are going to be competitive in the market.” Purchasing auto parts made in countries where wages are five percent of those of Japan would help boost profit margins.

“Cheaper parts are key to carmakers cutting their overall costs,” said Yoshihiro Okumura, the general manager at Chiba-gin Asset Management Co., which oversees the equivalent of $365 million in assets. “They especially need to buy parts for cars they sell in emerging markets in the local markets – to do otherwise makes no financial sense.”

According to data compiled by Bloomberg, the company’s operating margin of 7.42 percent is lower than Honda’s at 7.68 and Toyota’s at 9.35. “When you reduce your purchasing cost, sourcing is one of the tools,” Ghosn said. “The more sourcing toward low-cost countries, the more it’s going to help you.”

Ryan Thomas is a native of Denver, Colorado. He grew up in a family of car afficionados. He now resides in Detroit where he owns a service shop and works part time as a consultant for a local automotive magazine.

Posted in Accord | Tags: carmakers, Emissions, Ghosn, Must | No Comments »

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Types of Spoilers

If you are thinking of an upgrade in your car regarding stability at high speeds around the turns then the first thing that comes on your mind is the spoiler. The car spoilers neglected yet are the most significant part of a car which plays the most vital role in providing better traction and road grip to a vehicle by simply improving its aerodynamics. Generally people consider spoilers to be used as a part of sports cars only but they are absolutely mistaken. Spoiler can always be added as a part of your normal day use car to uplift its appearance and improve its stability at high speeds.

A spoiler is an aerodynamic device optionally attached to the vehicle to literally spoil air movement across surface of the body in order to make it more stable during move. Its results in less drag, caused during accelerating at high speeds, decreases the uplift caused naturally due to vehicle’s shape. The uplift is reduced by interrupting the air flow going over the car which subsequently results in more of a downward force pushing the tires towards the road resulting in better traction. This increased traction helps a lot while accelerating, turning at high speeds and provides more of stability to your car making it safer to drive.

Most of the car owners specially the young ones always look for an up-gradation in the exterior of their cars in order to improve its appearance and increase its appeal. For this the most prominent yet useful upgrade is the spoiler. There are many types of car spoilers available in the market. One can always search for the type he wants which not only suits his car but also go with his own personality as well. Whether you own Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi or a Ford, all types are readily available in the market.

Generally types of spoilers are categorized according to their use, location in the vehicle and the vehicle type. First type is most commonly used wing spoiler which is firmly mounted to the rear of the vehicle to provide an increased stability and downward force while accelerating at high speeds. The other very commonly used type is the front spoiler which is also known as the ‘air dam’. Front spoiler as the name suggests is fitted on the base (underside) of the front bumper. Other types of spoilers include the truck cap spoilers, tailgate spoilers and the cab spoilers.

Car spoilers are really getting famous nowadays because they add a unique stylish and sporty look to your car. Moreover they also provide your car the extra stability with improved aerodynamics. These spoilers are simply mounted to the rear trunk of the car or under the front bumper. There popularity factor is not just the increase in the aerodynamics but sometimes they also add up to the resale price of the car.

Now if you own a race car and it is not fitted with an appropriate spoiler than you are missing something which could have made a huge difference. A race car spoiler can increase its downward force, reduced drag and increased stability at high speeds. A good wing or spoiler with a well adjusted deck can decrease the lap timings to a greater extent and make you loose or win a race in competition with the one having all rest in equal capacity.

Types of Spoilers

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