NEWS BRIEFS FOR THE WEEK

According to Visteon, this new technology links the headlamp beams to the direction of a car as it is being steered. It uses a bifunctional High Intensity Discharge Advanced Front Lighting System, allowing both high- and low-beam illumination from a single projector module. This lighting system recognizes the driver's steering wheel position and moves the light pattern accordingly. Moving the light with the vehicle's intended direction helps extend driver illuminated visibility, even on curves. 

Built-in software algorithms enable headlamps to integrate with the car's advanced electronics. Both left and right headlamps swivel up to 15 degrees outboard and five degrees inboard.

"We know our customer is looking to deliver a harmonious blend of technology and styling that enhances the driving experience," said Todd Sheppelman, vice president and general manager of Visteon's General Motors customer business group. "Visteon is leveraging its electronics and lighting expertise to support the customer in delivering a dynamic design with advanced technology - delivering a whole new driving experience." 

Dieter Schaper, Visteon lighting product line director added, "The goal is to bring global technology to market that allows flexibility in design while offering improved visibility for drivers."

TORRANCE, CA (Sept. 8, 2005) - Honda Motor Co. announced it will introduce the first integrated motorcycle airbag on its 2006 Gold Wing. 

The module includes the airbag and the inflator, crash sensors that monitor acceleration changes and an electronic control unit which performs calculations to instantly determine if a collision is occurring. The airbag module is situated in between the bike's handles and activates when four crash sensors detect a severe frontal collision, creating a buffer as the rider is flung forward on impact.

Tokyo-based Honda said the airbags will reduce injuries in head-on collisions. The airbag opens in front of the riders and reduces the speed at which they get thrown off the motorcycle, lessening injuries when they hit the road or another vehicle, it said.

(Source: Honda)

WASHINGTON (Sept. 8, 2005) - The National Highway and Transportation Safety Administrations (NHTSA) reported that Ford Motor Co. and Toyota Motors Co. have issued recalls that each affect a large number of vehicles.

In the fifth largest recall in U.S. history, Ford recalled 3.8 million pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles for a cruise control switch suspected of causing engine fires. Included in recall (NHTSA Campaign ID Number 05V38800) are 1994 though 2002 model-year F-150 pickups, Ford Expeditions, Lincoln Navigators and Ford Broncos. The company said it would start sending out recall notices to vehicle owners immediately. 

Both NHTSA and Ford have been investigating complaints of engine fires linked to the switch. NHTSA has received more than 550 complaints of engine fires from the cruise control switch. Ford said its inquiry found that brake fluid could leak through the cruise control's deactivation switch into the system's electrical components, leading to potential corrosion. The corrosion could result in a buildup of electrical current, which can cause overheating and a fire. Dealers will now install a fused wiring harness to act as a circuit breaker in the system. The company said the harness would cut off electrical current to the switch if the current increases.

Toyota's recall (NHTSA Campaign ID Number 05V389000) involves 978,000 sport utility vehicles and pickups over concerns about the power steering system. A rod linking the steering wheel and the wheels may fracture under conditions where the steering wheel is turned while the vehicle is stopped. Vehicles affected include 1990 through 1995 4Runner SUV, 1989 through 1995 4WD pickups and 1993 through 1998 T-100 pickups. Toyota will notify owners in mid-September.

(Source: NHTSA)

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (Sept. 8, 2005)- General Motors' (GM) Daewoo Auto and Technology subsidiary has launched the Gentra, a new compact car that not only features a fancy interior and convenience items, but also a 1.5L engine that it calls "powerful," yet consumes less fuel than other compacts.

"Gentra maintains the affordable price and fuel economy of a small car, but adds a modern and sporty design, impressive styling, generous space and advanced features normally found in more prestigious model," said GM Daewoo president Nick Reilly. GM has said it will use South Korea as a key export base of compact vehicles.

GM Daewoo said the Gentra has a number of amenities that are generally found in higher-end, higher-priced vehicles, including fully automatic air conditioning, tilt steering, a driver's seat armrest and heated front and rear seats. At current exchange rates, the Gentra is priced at less than $10,000.

(Source: GM Daewoo Auto and Technology)

WASHINGTON (Sept. 7,2005) - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), an office of the Department of Energy, has issued a report stating that the American oil refinery industry won't likely get back to normal production levels until this November at the earliest.

The Gulf Coast region normally produces approximately 25 percent of the nations domestic supply of both petroleum and natural gas. Recovering from the ravages of hurricanes is no easy or quick task for the refinery industry. For example,are still 2,600 miles of undersea pipeline that had not been repaired and brought back online as a result of damage from Hurricane Ivan, which struck near Gulf Shores, AL on Sept. 16, 2004. 

Hurricane Katrina shut down 10 refineries in the Gulf Coast and temporarily cut crude oil production in the region by 90 percent. Nearly two weeks after Katrina, refinery capacity is only slightly above 40 percent of pre-Katrina output. The EIA forecasts that Gulf Coast petroleum output will reach only about half its normal level by the end of September, and that it will take about two months for America's storm-damaged oil production and refinery capacity to return to normal levels. 

Consequently, the EIA expects average gasoline prices to remain around $3 per gallon through this September. Pricing for other consumer products, such as natural gas and heating oil will be higher over the short term.

(Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration)