Volkswagen denies it fitted defeat devices into second engine model

Documents leaked to German media suggest software fitted to detect if exhaust test are carried out.

Volkswagen has denied claims it built defeat devices into a second engine model, hours before chancellor Angela Merkel arrives in Frankfurt to open the city’s international motor show.

Documents leaked to German public television suggest the EA288 motor - the heart of hundreds of thousands of VW group cars since 2012 - uses so-called “cycle-recognition” software to detect if exhaust tests are being carried out.

The EA288 motor, classified under the Euro-6 norm, is built into the Volkswagen Golf, Tiguan and Passat vehicles as well as models of the Audi, Skoda and Seat brands. read more »

GM recalls 3.5 million U.S. vehicles due to braking issue

General Motors Co said Wednesday it was recalling 3.46 million U.S. pickup trucks and SUVs to address a vacuum pump issue that could make braking more difficult and that has been linked to 113 accidents and 13 injuries.

The recall covers 2014-2018 model year vehicles, including some Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Sierra, Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon vehicles. read more »

The Polaris RZR, an Off-Road Thrill That Can Go Up in Flames

The Polaris RZR, a vehicle for recreational use, has been linked to scores of fires and four deaths. But its maker insists it is safe.

The manufacturer’s safety record indicates more than an occasional problem. From 2013 to 2018, Polaris Industries issued RZR recalls 10 times for fire hazards, far more than for any competing product. There have been more than 180 RZR fires, often leaving little more than scorched earth and a skeletal metal frame. Four people have been killed and at least 30 others have been burned, according to a tally from recalls, lawsuits and reports to federal regulators. And like Mr. Groves, the victims have often been young. read more »

Kia Soul Fire Lawsuit Alleges Occupants Were Seriously Injured

A Kia Soul car fire lawsuit alleges a man and his mother went through hell when their rented Kia caught fire while the pair were driving on a Hawaiian highway.

Oklahoma native Jordan Carlton and his mother Becky were on vacation in Oahu and had rented a 2019 Kia Soul from Avis Budget Group.

The June 30 fire allegedly started under the Kia Soul and spread to the passenger compartment, forcing Becky Carlton to leap from the burning vehicle as it traveled about 40 mph.

Her son Jordan couldn't get out as quickly and suffered burns to about 85% of his body.

The lawsuit alleges Kia failed to warn drivers about the enhanced risk of non-collision fires, and Avis Budget Group did nothing to inform drivers about previous recalls issued over fire dangers. read more »