Motoring: Honda recalls 2.5 Million vehicles globally, 135,000 in Canada

Honda has issued a recall for 2.5 million vehicles globally, including 1.5 million in the US, and 135,142 vehicles in Canada for a software upgrade to the vehicles’ transmission control module. The models covered in the recall are the Accord (2005-2010 model year), CR-V (2007-2010) as well as the Element from 2005-2008, all equipped with four-cylinder engines..

Without the update, the transmission’s secondary shaft bearing can suffer damage if the transmission is quickly shifted between each of the reverse, neutral and drive positions, such as when “rocking” the vehicle to get out of mud or snow. If the bearing is damaged, it can cause the engine to stall, or lead to difficulty in engaging the parking gear. The update eases the transition between gears to reduce the possibility of damage.

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified beginning August 31, 2011. For more information, visit Honda or call 1-888-946-6329.

Sources: Autos.ca

Motoring: Honda's Element is "retired."

Honda is ending production of the Element, with more than 17,000 sold in Canada since its debut in 2002. Credited for starting the mini-cube car trend, the Element was loved for its quirky design as well as its rugged functionality.

The company said that customers have “more recently embraced other vehicles in the Honda lineup,” such as the CR-V.

The Element was first introduced as the Honda Model X concept at the 2001 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. ”The Element defied popular trend designs in favour of a utilitarian shape that showed how functionality can come from thinking inside the box,” said Jerry Chenkin, executive vice-president of Honda Canada. “It made boxy vehicle designs cool, and Element owners enjoy its unique styling and versatility.”

Honda will offer 2011 model-year Elements in the U.S., but will wind the model down in Canada with remaining stock of 2010 models.

Source: Canadiandriver.ca

2010 Canadian Auto Show shrinks, previews upcoming models

The Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Gullwing was one of the highlights of the 2010 Canadian Auto Show

We've been covering the Canadian Auto Show in Toronto for years and were sad and a bit disappointed at what we got to see this year, or rather, what we didn't. Past shows were so huge that it could take you a whole day to cover the exhibit spaces in the North and South Toronto Convention Centre and the cavernous Skydome (Rogers Centre).

Well, the Rogers Centre was dropped this year and fewer car companies were represented - a pity, really. A sign of difficult times, I guess.

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