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GM recalls 83,572 SUVs for ignition switch issue

General Motors is recalling 83,572 SUVs from the 2011 and 2012 model years over a potential ignition lock actuator issue. In affected vehicles, the actuator isn't the right size, which could cause the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position, and then either due to a jarring event or a "cool interior temperature" the ignition could switch back to the "Accessory" position. Doing so would cause a loss of power assistance and the airbags might not deploy. This is a different ignition issue than the one that's been ongoing for the past year. GM said it expects that less than 500 vehicles suffer from the problem, but that the pool could include vehicles from 2007 through to 2014 that have already been fixed, but with defective parts. The 2011-2012 SUVs included in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notice: Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. GM will notify owners and dealers will inspect the ignition lock housing to see if it needs a free replacement. RECALL Subject : Ignition Lock Actuator may Bind Report Receipt Date: DEC 30, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V827000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Manufacturer: General Motors LLC SUMMARY: General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado HD, Silverado LD, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra LD, Sierra HD, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the ignition lock actuator may bind, making turning the key difficult or causing the ignition to get stuck in the "Start" position. CONSEQUENCE: If stuck in the "Start" position, the ignition may suddenly snap back into the "Accessory" position, causing a loss of engine, steering, and braking power, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. If the vehicle is in a crash, the air bags may not deploy, increasing the risk of occupant injury. REMEDY: GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the ignition lock housing, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact GM customer service at 1-800-458-8006 (Cadillac), 1-800-222-1020 (Chevrolet), or 1-800-462-8782 (GMC). GM's number for this recall is 14696 for the original equipment, and 14912 for the service replacement parts.

Recharge Wrap-up: EVs poll well in Portland, Tesla seeks office space

In a poll of drivers in Portland, more than 80 percent said they would be driving an EV in the next 10 years if they weren't already. The poll was small and not scientific, with just 218 votes cast, but it does reflect a slice of a certain population with changing attitudes toward electric mobility, and 80 percent is an impressive figure. Additionally, 43 percent of respondents planned to have an EV in the next five years, and only 18 percent said they prefer gasoline-powered vehicles. With EVs in many ways repeating the adoption process that hybrids went through a decade ago, the five- or ten-year timeframe for more widespread use seems only natural. Read more at the Portland Business Journal. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee parks like an idiot, or rather, his security detail does. His Chevrolet Volt has been ticketed for parking six times since he took office. Granted, those street-sweeping signs are tough to keep track of, but his car has been photographed blocking at a bus stop while grabbing a burrito (who hasn't sinned in the name of a delicious burrito?), and was even caught parked in a crosswalk. The tickets were all dismissed. Read more from the SF Gate. Tesla is looking for office space in Silicon Valley. As the electric car company continues to search for a place to build its $4- to $5-billion battery Gigafactory, it also needs some real estate to expand its operations near its Palo Alto home. Tesla has expanded from 3,000 to 6,000 California-based employees since the end of 2012, and plans to add 500 more by the end of the year. It is currently looking for 200,000 to 300,000 square feet of office space close to its Fremont factory, according to sources in the real estate industry. Read more at the Silicon Valley Business Journal. Related Gallery 2014 Chevrolet Volt View 11 Photos News Source: Portland Business Journal, SF Gate, Silicon Valley Business JournalImage Credit: Paul Sakuma / AP Green Chevrolet Tesla Electric recharge wrapup portland silicon valley parking ticket

2016 Chevy Colorado Duramax makes 369 lb-ft for $3,730 premium

Since announcing the new Chevrolet Colorado in late 2013, there has been absolutely no secret that the 2.8-liter Duramax diesel would wind up under the hood of the midsize pickup truck for the 2016 model year. It has been a long wait for those wanting the oil-burner, but thankfully, the anticipation is nearly at an end. Chevy is finally officially unleashing details about the four-cylinder, which churns out 181 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The diesel is available in both LT and Z71 Crew Cab trims, and there's the choice of two- or four-wheel drive. All come with a six-speed automatic gearbox with a standard automatic-locking rear differential. An electronically controlled two-speed transfer case comes on four-wheel drive models, as well. The Z82 trailering package also arrives on all of the Duramax pickups and includes an exclusive integrated trailer brake controller. The first shipment of diesels arrives at dealers this fall with a price of $3,730 on top of a comparably equipped version with the 3.6-liter V6. Customers opting for the Duramax are getting more capability from the Colorado. With a 7,700-pound tow rating on two-wheel drive examples (7,600 pounds with four-wheel drive), drivers can haul 600-700 pounds more behind the truck than its petrol V6 counterpart. Fuel economy numbers haven't been announced yet, but are expected to top the gasoline versions. The engine is also B20 bio-diesel compatible. Beyond being just a good hauler, Chevy is throwing cutting-edge tech into these models. For example, this is the company's first application of a Centrifugal Pendulum Vibration Absorber on the transmission's torque converter. The device is a dampener that cancels out torsional vibration from the engine for a more comfortable ride for occupants. There's also a driver selectable exhaust brake system that uses engine compression to help slow down the truck and reduce brake wear. You can read more about the nuts and bolts of the diesel in Chevy's press release below. Chevrolet Introduces Colorado Duramax Diesel All-new turbo-diesel expands lineup with unparalleled capability, efficiency DETROIT – The fastest-selling truck in the market now offers an available turbo-diesel engine. The 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Duramax diesel takes midsize truck capability and efficiency to unprecedented levels.