2018 Ford F-250 Super DutyDerek McNaughton / Driving Ford is recalling more than 56,000 Super Duty trucks in Canada because, in a collision, the seat belt pretensioners might spark and cause a fire, the automaker said mid-December.Some 56,112 examples of Super Duties built between October 2015 and October 2019 are affected in Canada, part of a total 547,538 trucks recalled across North America altogether. In some of these trucks, the front seat belt pretensioner could throw off excessive sparks during a collision, possibly igniting the vehicles carpeting or carpet insulation around the B-pillar. Ford has, in fact, already received one report of a post-collision interior fire happening in just this way.Dealers will correct the issue by adding a foil tape over the carpeting and insulation in the area that could
Origin: Ford recalls more than 56,000 trucks in Canada over fire risk
over
Elon Musk beats back defamation lawsuit over insulting tweet
(FILES) In this file photo taken on July 19, 2017, Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, speaks during the International Space Station Research and Development Conference at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, DC. Tesla shares stumbled on July 16, 2018 as chief executive Elon Musk faced criticism over a public spat with a British diver who worked on the Thai soccer team rescue. Shares of the electric car maker were down 3.5 percent in late-morning trading at $307.82 on news that Musk could face a libel suit over the episode.Musk attacked British diver Vern Unsworth, who had dismissed the Tesla chiefs efforts to help the rescue mission for the 12 boys as a PR stunt in a widely seen interview on CNN.Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images Elon Musk beat back a defamation claim from a British cave expert who sued the billionaire CEO over a tweet in which Musk labeled Vernon Unsworth a pedo guy.A federal jury in Los Angeles December 6 took about an hour to return a verdict that said Musks insult fell short of defamation.We were pretty much unanimous from the word go, said Carl Shusterman, a 70-year-old immigration lawyer who served on a jury for the first time.Shusterman said the verdict was straight-forward because it wasnt clear if the tweet was actually about Unsworth, since Musk didnt name him. The judge told the jurors that was one of the elements required to establish defamation, Shusterman said.My faith in humanity has been restored, Musk said after the verdict.Its another win for Musk, 48, whos managed to get out of legal trouble relatively unscathed. Musk agreed to step down from his role of chairman of Tesla for three years in 2018 to settle a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuit over a tweet the regulator said misled investors. But hes run Tesla and SpaceX as usual.Unsworth had sought US$190 million in damages for the harm he claimed to have suffered from the tweet, and to punish Musk. Musk said he fired off the tweet in anger after Unsworth insulted him and his team in a television interview.I respect the jurys decision, Unsworth said after the verdict. Ill take it on the chin and move on.His lawyers were less gracious, repeatedly referring to Musk as a billionaire bully.It was the first time that Musk has been called as a witness at a trial, despite numerous legal spats, including one with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission over a tweet the regulator said misled investors.Musk told the jury the tweet aimed at Unsworth shouldnt have been taken literally and was sent because the caver insulted his effort to help rescue members of a Thai soccer team from a flooded cave in 2018.The rescue effort had riveted the attention of the worlds media. Musk and engineers at his companies prepared a mini submarine, built with rocket parts, to help. The kids, aged 11 to 16, were saved without the use of the sub.The high-profile effort from the celebrity CEO drew derision from Unsworth, who knew the caves well and helped in the rescue effort. He told CNN that Musk could stick his submarine where it hurts and that it had no chance of working.Musk responded on Twitter, calling Unsworth a pedo guy and adding: Never saw this British expat guy who lives in Thailand (sus) at any point when we were in the caves. Sus meaning suspect, or suspicious.Later, he asked why Unsworth hadnt sued him. Musk also hired a private investigator to dig into Unsworths personal life and leak information to British tabloids.Unsworth, a financial consultant who divides his time between England and Thailand, described to the jury the effect the tweet had on him.When you combine sus and pedo guy, I took it as I was being branded a pedophile, Unsworth said on Wednesday. I feel vulnerable and sometimes, when Im in the U.K., I feel isolated.Musk, who had apologized to Unsworth on Twitter, did so again in court. But Unsworth told the jury he had nothing to apologize for to Musk.Musk told the jury he found Unsworths comments in the CNN interview wrong and insulting especially to his team which he said worked hard to help in the rescue effort and so he fired back.Neither man impressed Shusterman, the juror. He said there was no need for Unsworth to put down Musks mini submarine, and Musks response was equally immature.I felt it was like two junior high school students fighting, Shusterman
Origin: Elon Musk beats back defamation lawsuit over insulting tweet
Honda owner says company withheld stolen car’s location over subscription fee
2020 Honda Accord Touring 2.0T A (former) Honda owner in the Toronto area is expressing frustration with the automaker after it allegedly told him it knew where his stolen vehicle was but couldnt let him know since he hadnt paid for the companys optional tracking service.Layth Ablhd of Vaughan, Ontario has his 2019 Accord swiped from his driveway in the middle of the night, according to a Global News report.According to a neighbours security camera, it was taken around 5 a.m. Ablhd phoned the police, who contacted Honda Canada to see if the vehicle could be tracked. The representative said it could but not for free.Ablhd alleges the Honda rep on the other end of the phone said the companys tracking tech was showing him exactly where the car was during the call, but he could not disclose the location to Ablhd or the police officer, who had jumped on the call as well via speakerphone, because Ablhd was not subscribed to HondaLink, the companys emergency response system.The investigating officer asked to speak with the reps manager, who said the police would need to present a warrant if they wanted to know the location of the vehicle. Ablhd said he had not been informed of the optional service when he purchased his Accord, and that he would have bought it if hed known of it. Ablhd immediately signed up for the $148 subscription, and a few minutes later called the rep back, but they then said it was too late Honda was no longer getting a signal from the car.This customer did not have an active HondaLink subscription, which is required to locate the vehicle, clarified John Bordignon, a Honda Canada brand spokesperson. Without an active subscription, the police would have to present a warrant to activate the location services on the vehicle and no such warrant was provided.Contrary to what Ablhd and the officer were told on the phone, however, Bordignon says At no time was Honda or its HondaLink provider aware of the location of this vehicle.Honda Canada said it would reimburse Ablhd for the cost of the HondaLink
Origin: Honda owner says company withheld stolen car’s location over subscription fee
Watch: Tesla Cybertruck rolls into intersection, knocking over traffic sign
New video of the Tesla Cybertruck concept driving around L.A. Saturday night, reportedly with Elon Musk himself at the wheel, shows the prototype has quite a bit of body roll through corners, more than youd expect for a vehicle weighed down by a floor full of batteries. Maybe chalk it up to the suspension design on the demonstration vehicle not being quite finalized?The video, of Musk leaving high-end Japanese restaurant Nobu in the Cybertruck, was posted by celebrity blog TMZ, and ends with the truck clipping a pylon or traffic sign as it rolls through a red light.While many have speculated Musk either didnt hear the clunk of the strike, or didnt care, we figure its much more likely Musk did it on purpose as a faux PR gaffe to draw media attention to the truck, since nothing Musk does ever happens by accident.Whos driving @ElonMusk or the Auto-Pilot?$TSLA pic.twitter.com/xvmyHPG8Ol GuruLeaks (@Guruleaks1) December 8, 2019UPDATE: It’s being reported the truck did not technically run a red light, as there is no traffic signal specifically facing that restaurant exit; and that the sign the truck knocked over is a “Right turns only” warning sign.Later on in the night, the Cybertruck was also seen driving down a California highway.In video from YouTube user Roberto Cruz, the truck cruises down the 405 South, a main public highway. We mention the public highway part because, as a prototype, the vehicle and its manufacturer plates only technically clear its use for testing purposes, and were not quite sure a night out at Nobu and a drive back on the 405 counts, there.The Cybertrucks tires are wider than the body, something also not allowed for new vehicles. Plus it lacks physical rearview mirrors, as you couldve guessed from Musk hitting that pylon.So, a whole bunch of no-nos from the CEO and his wild Blade Runner truck. But, once again, it was likely done to make us journalists take notice, and write a bunch of articles about it. Pretty clever for a guy that breaks the windows of his own truck and knocks over traffic
Origin: Watch: Tesla Cybertruck rolls into intersection, knocking over traffic sign
Mazda mulls over making the MX-5 electric
2019 Mazda MX-5 MiataNick Tragianis / Driving The rumour mill is churning out Mazda news the next-gen MX-5 could get electrified, either partially as a hybrid or fully as a battery powered EV, in the near future. Autocar in the UK reports that sources within the brand, including research and development head Ichiro Hirose and brand and design chief Ikuo Maeda, are aware drivers of the sporty little MX-5 are seeking environmentally friendly alternatives. And apparently the brand is willing to play along. “The preference of people who enjoy driving sports cars might be changing, so we need to think about what direction society is going,” Maeda told Autocar. “We want to look at the best powertrain to keep the vehicle lightweight, but because of the diversifying requirements and preference, we need to explore various options. “I don’t have the answer now but we need to make a vehicle that people can own without worrying that they are not being eco-friendly.”So, regardless of whether or how the little drop-top sports car is given the “e” prefix, Mazda promises to keep it true to its lightweight motoring roots, reiterating to Autocar that “The lightweighting and compact size are essential elements of MX-5, so even if we apply electrification, we have to make sure it really helps to achieve the lightweighting of the vehicle.”The latest Mazda Miata MX-5 got a healthy jolt of power, and any electrification is likely to do more of the same. We’re open to the idea, but will certainly be holding Mazda to its word on keeping the car light on its feet.LISTEN: In this week’s episode, we talk about all the electrifying news coming out of the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show with Postmedia Driving senior writer David Booth, including Ford’s bold Mustang Mach-e SUV. And, of course, we get Booth’s take on Tesla’s Cybertruck. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: Mazda mulls over making the MX-5 electric
Ford recalling more than 5,500 Rangers in Canada over faulty taillights
Ford is recalling more than 5,500 Ranger pickups in Canada over taillights that may not work properly.The recall covers trucks from the 2019 model year, and applies to some 78,264 Rangers globally specifically, 5,564 are affected in Canada.On those affected trucks, the rear lights may function intermittently or simply not work due to badly installed or misaligned terminals.This means the position lights, brake lights and turn signals may not illuminate fully, reducing the visibility of the truck to other road users.Dealers will repair the issue by adjusting the terminals. This marks the fifth recall for the Ranger this year, its first model year on sale in Canada, which suggests Ford is still working out the bugs on the new
Origin: Ford recalling more than 5,500 Rangers in Canada over faulty taillights
More than 10,600 Fiat 500s recalled in Canada over rollaway risk
The 2018 Fiat 500 Spiaggina 58, a limited-edition retro-inspired convertible. Fiat Chrysler is recalling more than 10,600 older Fiat 500 cars in Canada over a transmission issue that could pose a rollaway risk.Some 10,627 cars from model-year 2012 and 2013 are part of the campaign, which covers a total 72,761 cars globally.On affected vehicles, shift cable bushings could degrade prematurely due to heat and humidity, separating the shift cable from the transmission and keep it from shifting into the selected gear; that means in PARK, the vehicle could roll away.In fact, FCA is aware of three minor accidents potentially related to the issue, though none resulted in any injury. Customers should be wary if they notice loose shifter movement, but as a precaution should always select the parking brake
Origin: More than 10,600 Fiat 500s recalled in Canada over rollaway risk
Nissan recalls newer cars, SUVs over braking defect that could pose fire risk
2019 Nissan Murano PlatinumBrian Harper Nissan is recalling close to 400,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. over a brake system issue that could also lead to a fire, reports Reuters.About 394,025 vehicles are covered by the recall, specifically Nissan Murano SUVs from model years 2015 to 2018; Maxima sedans from 2016 to 2018; and Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 utilities from 2017 to 2019.In affected vehicles, the braking system may leak brake fluid; if it drips onto a nearby internal circuit board, in rare instances that could cause a short circuit and maybe a fire, the automaker said early November.Drivers will see a warning message on the vehicles dashboard before such an electrical short occurs, but the hazard remains if that warning is ignored. Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Nissan early December; the company is already working on a
Origin: Nissan recalls newer cars, SUVs over braking defect that could pose fire risk
Ford recalls more than 30,000 new trucks in Canada over a fire risk
2019 Ford F-150Handout / Ford Ford is recalling more than 30,000 new F-150 trucks in Canada because an improperly attached battery terminal fastener could lead to the engine stalling, the brakes power assistance failing or even to a fire.Some 30,073 F-150s from model years 2019 and 2020 are affected here, as well as about 135,000 units in the U.S. Specifically, the issue is with trucks built between June and October in the Dearborn or Kansas City plants.On affected vehicles, a fastener on the positive terminal of the battery may not be attached properly; if left alone, this could lead to the engine losing power and then stalling, or to the brakes and steering losing their power assistance.While there is also an increased risk of fire, the company has yet to receive any reports of incidents related to this defect. Ford also issued a battery-fastener-related recall on older Lincoln MKX SUVs that may have led to three fires so far.In Canada, that recall concerns 5,253 MKXes from model years 2016 and 2017 equipped with the 3.7-litre V6; and just under 50,000 of the same in the U.S.A fastener on the battery terminals in affected vehicles could short circuit if it contact a transmission cable mechanism, increasing the chance of a fire. Ford says its received three reports of fires likely attributable to the issue, though none resulted in accidents or
Origin: Ford recalls more than 30,000 new trucks in Canada over a fire risk
News Roundup: Consumer Reports’ most and least reliable, Honda’s many CR-V options and police pull over the weirdest cars
2019 Lexus LS 500Handout Welcome to our weekly round-up of the biggest breaking stories on Driving.ca from this past week. Get caught up and ready to get on with the weekend, because it’s hard keeping pace in a digital traffic jam.Here’s what you missed while you were away.2019’s most and least reliable brands according to Consumer Reports 2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature Al Charest / Postmedia Breaking news! Dodge has landed itself on the top ten list of Consumer Reports’ most reliable brands! That’s a first. Otherwise, the list was not so surprising, with Japan sweeping the top three (Lexus, Mazda and Toyota in that order) and Jeep, VW and Acura elbowing each other for position down at the bottom of the pile. Where does your brand land on the list this year?Anyone want to buy a $90k Corvette for $145,500 on eBay?A selfish Corvette buyer is fishing for suckers online with an ad for a build slot for a 2020 C8 Corvette. The listing is asking for $145,500 for what is, if you were to purchase it directly from the brand, a $90,000 car. Listed as ““BRAND NEW C-8 2020 CORVETTE FOR SALE ALLOCATED PAID FOR 1ST WAVE EARLY RELEASE,” the car is basically just a standard 1LT trim C8 with the free white paint, free silver wheels, $100 mirrors, US$5,000 Z51 package and less than $10,000 worth of other options. Do the math. Don’t buy the car. Honda’s CR-V gets lots of new options for 2020Honda has freshened up its popular SUV for 2020, giving shoppers even more options for trims and some new options like Remote Engine Start and heated front seats at the base level of the CR-V. The exterior gets a bit of a facelift, too, with some Civic-esque tweaks, two new colour options and 19-inch wheels. All models will run with a 1.5-litre turbo four. Pricing starts at $28,690 for the base model, which is exactly $1,000 more than last year’s. These are the strangest vehicles to ever be pulled over by policeAn electric three-wheeler homemade from balsa wood and duct tape. A couch on wheels capable of travelling over 140 km/h. A bumper car with another bumper car being pulled beside it, armstrong-style. These are a few of the most surprising vehicles to get pulled over by police. The couch got a ticket, but balsa-wood trike did not. Check out the full list here. Gone in 60 Seconds ‘Eleanor’ Mustang likely to fetch over US$1 million at auctionThe “Dream Car,” or the main ride of the 11 Mustangs used in the 2000 Nicolas Cage film Gone in 60 Seconds, is scheduled to head to auction in January 2020. And based on the sale of the last, less-of-a-star ‘Eleanor’ Mustang, which sold for US$1 million, this Shelby-inspired 1967 Ford will likely fetch more than the sum of the entire film budget of the original 1974 cut of the film. The movie car will go under the hammer at the Mecum auction in Kissimmee, Florida in January 2020. LISTEN: Toyota has led the hybrid charge for two decades, and as Toyota Canada’s Stephen Beatty tells Plugged In host Andrew McCredie, is now all-in on EVs, particularly fuel cell vehicles. The company’s vice president also has some interesting things to say about some provinces’ push to create electric vehicle sales quotas for 2030, and tells us about Toyota’s fascinating, and potentially game-changing, work with Quebec to produce green hydrogen. Plugged In is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Podcasts.Is the player not working? Click
Origin: News Roundup: Consumer Reports’ most and least reliable, Honda’s many CR-V options and police pull over the weirdest cars
All about car 