2009 Lexus Rx 350 Awd Bamboo Pearl Sunroof Luggage Rack 1 Owner on 2040-cars

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Krafcik says US Gov. shutdown is slowing Oct. auto sales

The government shutdown is eroding consumer confidence in the auto market, says John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai's US sales unit, and could lower October sales by as much as 10 percent, Automotive News reports. "It's that anxiety that keeps customers, potential buyers, on the sidelines when making a big purchase like an automobile," Krafcik says, adding that industry sales could be off by five to 10 percent in October compared to September.
The fourth quarter, which started October 1, usually consists of increased auto sales as dealerships clear their lots to make room for the next year's models. Leading up to the fourth quarter this year, the auto industry was doing well in the fragile, recovering US economy, although September deliveries decreased by 4.2 percent, due in part to this year's Labor Day sales being recorded for August.
To help its customers, Hyundai announced it is deferring new-car loan and lease payments for furloughed federal workers until they're called back to work and also offering them a three-month payment deferral if they buy a new Hyundai in October. "We have already had requests from over a thousand people to have their payments deferred," Krafcik says.

Lexus confirms three-row RX coming by 2018

Now seems like the perfect time for Lexus to launch a three-row version of its RX crossover. Not only are CUVs flying off of dealer lots – as you probably already know, the RX is Lexus' best-selling model – there aren't all that many car-based luxury soft-roaders on the market for Lexus to compete with. Problem is, these things take time, and product planners don't always get the new-model cadence just right. Now, though, we at least have a tentative date for the extended-wheelbase 'ute's arrival. According to Automotive News, Lexus General Manager Jeff Bracken has confirmed that the brand is readying a three-row version of the RX with plans to have it in the clutches of salivating dealers by late 2017 or early 2018. Chances are, the new model will wear RX 350L badges in gas-powered guise and carry the RX 450hL moniker in hybrid form. As AN points out, these names were registered as trademarks earlier this month. That indicates we'll see both standard V6 and optional hybrid-powered versions of the three-row RX. Not only will the extended RX keep the same nomenclature, it'll also look pretty much the same as its five-seat siblings. According to Bracken, "We put so much energy into the styling you see now that we didn't want to compromise even with the third row." All we have to do now is wait, said Bracken. "They would just love to have it now. But I think they're quite relieved that they know it's coming." Related Video:

Lexus recalls 2016 RX over knee airbag assembly

The Basics: Lexus will recall 5,000 examples of the 2016 RX 350 and RX 450h. The Problem: The driver's knee airbag module may not have been properly manufactured, and this issue could affect the airbag's deployment. Injuries/Deaths: None reported. The Fix: Lexus dealers will inspect and replace the driver's knee airbag assembly. If You Own One: Customer notifications will begin in March. More Information: Toyota spokesperson Cindy Knight tells Autoblog that this issue is not related to the upcoming Takata airbag inflator recall expansion. Related Video: LEXUS RECALLS CERTAIN 2016 RX 350 AND RX 450h VEHICLES TORRANCE, Calif., January 27, 2016 – Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. today announced that it is conducting a safety recall of approximately 5,000 Model Year 2016 Lexus RX350 and RX450h vehicles. The involved vehicles are equipped with a driver's knee airbag module that may not have been properly manufactured. This could affect the performance of the airbag and increase the risk of injury in a crash. All known owners of the involved Lexus vehicles will be notified by first class mail. Lexus dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the driver's knee airbag assembly free of charge. Information about automotive recalls, including but not limited to the list of involved vehicles, is subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date Safety Recall information on Lexus, Toyota and Scion customers should check their vehicle's status by visiting http://www.toyota.com/recall and entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Safety Recall inquiry by individual VIN is also available at the NHTSA site: safercar.gov/vin. For any additional questions, customer support is also available by calling Lexus Customer Service at 1-800-255-3987. ###