Tag Archives: certain

News

Judge: London ULEZ expansion can proceed on 29 August

A judge has ruled that the proposed expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in London can go ahead on 29 August. To be eligible for certain benefits, residents must scrap a car that does not meet the new emissions limits. Those claiming the higher £5000 allowance must scrap a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

The mayor’s office has stated that the ULEZ expansion will help remove 200,000 highly polluting vehicles from the city’s roads. However, the AA disputes this figure and claims that up to 400,000 cars will be affected. The AA spokesperson, Luke Bosdet, expressed concern that the scrappage allowance only applies to people on benefits, excluding those with low incomes who hold multiple jobs and those in the care sector who require cars for patient visits.

The RAC has raised questions about the timing of the ULEZ extension. Nicholas Lyes, the head of roads policy, voices concerns that expansion is happening while drivers already struggle with high fuel costs. The RAC suggests either expanding the scrappage scheme to benefit more households or providing residents with a sunset period until August 2024 to allow them more time to upgrade their vehicles.

Experts in vehicle valuation have also questioned the value of the £2000 scrappage allowance. Dylan Setterfield, the head of forecast strategy and operations at Cap HPI, believes this amount is unlikely to cover the cost of purchasing a car that meets the current requirements to avoid the ULEZ charge. Darren Rodwell, leader of the Labour-controlled Barking and Dagenham council, shares this sentiment, stating that the £110 million scrappage budget will not adequately compensate those forced to change their cars.

However, there is a silver lining for drivers and residents in the affected zone. Non-compliant older cars have seen a recent increase in value of approximately 3%, according to Cap HPI. In comparison, values for three-year-old vehicles have remained stable. This increase in value may help ease the cost of transitioning from a non-compliant car to a Euro 4 petrol or Euro 6 diesel.

Mazda

Statement on Safety Recall 6023G

Rearview Camera Image May Not Display Properly on Certain Mazda3 and CX-3 Vehicles

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about a safety defect in certain Mazda3 and CX-3 vehicles from model years 2014 to 2018 for Mazda3 and 2016 to 2021 for CX-3.

The issue involves the rearview camera wiring harness, which may get damaged from vibrations during normal vehicle operation or when closing the liftgate due to an improperly designed harness fastener. As a result, the connector pins wear out and create high electrical resistance. This can lead to a distorted or flickering image on the rearview camera when reversing, potentially affecting the driver’s judgment and increasing the risk of a crash.

There are no warning signs prior to the occurrence of this defect, and there have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue.

A total of 227,335 vehicles are affected in the United States:

  • 2014-2018 Mazda3 5-door hatchback – 141,491 units
  • 2016-2021 CX-3 – 85,844 units

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail. For the latest updates, please visit mazdarecallinfo.com or nhtsa.gov.

Mazda North American Operations, based in Irvine, California, is responsible for sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support for Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through approximately 780 dealerships. Mazda Canada Inc. manages operations in Canada, while Mazda Motor de Mexico oversees operations in Mexico. Mazda de Colombia handles operations in Colombia.

For more information, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Stay updated with MNAO on Twitter and Instagram (@MazdaUSA) as well as on Facebook (Facebook.com/MazdaUSA).

Motorsport

New Porsche 911 Turbo S By Mansory Combines Wild Body Kit With 900 HP

Mansory, the German-based tuning company, is known for its extravagant modifications. Their latest creation, the P9LM EVO 900, is a heavily customized Porsche 911 Turbo S that features a striking body kit and a massive power upgrade.

Under the hood, Mansory enhances the already potent twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six engine by adding larger turbochargers, a new intercooler, 98-millimeter downpipes, a full exhaust system upgrade, and a tune. As a result, the P9LM EVO generates a whopping 900 horsepower and 744 pound-feet of torque. With its all-wheel-drive system, it manages to accelerate from 0-62 mph in just 2.5 seconds, only a tenth quicker than the stock 911 Turbo S, but its top speed reaches an impressive 211 mph.

Visually, the Mansory P9LM EVO 900 stands out with its unique body kit. The front end features a full carbon fiber design with larger intakes for improved cooling. LED running lights and side flaps at the corners provide additional downforce to the front wheels. The car also sports exposed carbon fiber elements on the frunk, mirror caps, side sills, and massive side intakes ahead of the rear fenders. At the rear, there’s an attention-grabbing biplane spoiler, a new rear fascia with a diffuser, and a rear window scoop to ensure proper airflow to the engine.

Mansory offers a wide range of customizable exterior and interior color choices for the P9LM EVO 900. The showcased model flaunts a black and teal two-tone finish, which extends to the interior. The cockpit features luxurious leather and carbon fiber accents with custom stitching. Mansory branding is integrated into the materials to make a statement.

Overall, the Mansory P9LM EVO 900 is a truly extravagant and powerful modification of the Porsche 911 Turbo S. With its wild body kit and 900 horsepower, it is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Recalls Certain 2021-2022 Model Year Toyota RAV4 Prime and Certain 2022 Model Year Lexus NX450h+ Plug-in Hybrid Models

PLANO, Texas (July 12, 2023) – Toyota is recalling certain Toyota RAV4 Prime and Lexus NX450h+ vehicles from the 2021-2022 model years in the U.S. This recall affects approximately 43,000 vehicles.

The issue involves a component in the vehicles’ manufacturing process that converts electricity voltage. This component may be damaged and could lead to a short circuit, causing excessive heat. In certain conditions, this heat could increase the risk of a vehicle fire.

To address this safety concern, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the problematic DC-DC converter with an improved part at no cost to customers. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified about this recall by early September 2023.

It’s important to note that the information regarding automotive recalls, including the list of affected vehicles, is current as of the filing date and may change in the future. To check if your vehicle is involved in this recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

If you have any additional questions or need support, you can contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for Toyota vehicles. For Lexus vehicles, customer support is available by calling the Lexus Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-255-3987.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Recalls Certain 2023 Tundra, Tundra Hybrid and Sequoia Hybrid Models

PLANO, Texas (July 7, 2023) – Toyota is issuing a safety recall in the U.S. for specific 2023 Toyota Tundra, Tundra Hybrid, and Sequoia Hybrid vehicles. This recall affects approximately 1,400 vehicles in the U.S.

The affected vehicles have a spare tire carrier assembly that utilizes a steel chain to secure the spare tire underneath the vehicle. It has been discovered that the chain links may not have been welded properly. As a result, these chain links could break at any time, causing the spare tire to detach from the vehicle. If this happens while the vehicle is in motion, the detached spare tire could pose a road hazard to other drivers and vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

To address this issue, Toyota dealerships will replace the spare tire carrier assembly with a new one at no charge to the owners of affected vehicles. Toyota plans to notify owners about this recall by early September 2023.

Please note that the information regarding automotive recalls, including the list of affected vehicles, is accurate as of the date of this announcement and is subject to change in the future. To find out if your vehicle is involved in a safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for assistance with Toyota vehicles.

Technology

The Tragic Implosion of USS Thresher: A Catastrophe in Nuclear Submarine History

The USS Thresher was an impressive technological achievement, similar to other advanced submarines of its time. It was specifically designed for naval pursuits and had a sleek design to enhance its agility and maneuverability underwater. Armed with weapons like the ASROC, it had the capability to engage various types of targets. In April 1961, the Thresher began its meticulous trial process at Maine’s Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

Tragically, the very nuclear power that propelled the formidable Thresher became a contributing factor in its demise. Despite its technological advancements, the submarine was built to explore unprecedented depths in the ocean, depths that the U.S. Navy had not ventured into before. It was during a deep sea trial to showcase this capability that the Thresher was lost.

On the morning of April 10, 1963, the Thresher was conducting deep dives, aiming to reach its estimated maximum depth of 1,300 feet. It maintained regular communication with the nearby USS Skylark, its designated contact during this period. However, at approximately 9:12 am, the last communication was received, indicating an issue aboard the Thresher.

It is believed that water entered the submarine through insecure joints, causing the reactor and other systems to shut down. As a result, the Thresher continued to descend uncontrollably until it succumbed to the immense pressure of the deep waters and imploded.

Mazda

Statement on Safety Recall 5923F

Suspension and Steering Insufficiently Tightened or Missing Bolts on Certain 2024MY CX-90s

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has reported a safety defect to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding certain 2024MY CX-90 vehicles. The defect pertains to bolts for the steering intermediate shaft, front ABS wheel speed sensor harnesses, or front upper control arms that may not have been sufficiently tightened or may be missing. If left unaddressed, these components can loosen or detach while driving, potentially leading to a loss of vehicle control and an increased risk of a crash.

This defect does not come with any prior warning signs, and there have been no reports of accidents or injuries caused by it. However, approximately 18 vehicles in the US are affected by this recall.

All affected owners will be notified through U.S. Mail. Updates on the recall can be found at mazdarecallinfo.com or nhtsa.gov.

Mazda North American Operations is based in Irvine, California and oversees Mazda vehicle sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through its network of approximately 780 dealers. Mazda Canada Inc. manages operations in Canada, while Mazda Motor de Mexico manages operations in Mexico. Mazda de Colombia handles operations in Colombia.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, including media resources such as photography and B-roll, visit InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Stay updated with MNAO on social media by following their Twitter and Instagram accounts @MazdaUSA and their Facebook page at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

Contact:

Tamara Mlynarczyk, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com
Drew Cary, Mazda North American Operations, media@mazdausa.com

Gaming

The Best Free Games Every Nintendo Switch Owner Should Have Installed

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in late 2020, a group of developers from Nintendo EPD released a free-to-play game called “Jump Rope Challenge.” The game was created to help players stay active and have fun while at home. Originally, it was planned to be removed from the Nintendo store in September of that year, but for some reason, Nintendo decided to keep it available.

Jump Rope Challenge is a very simple game. All you need to do is hold a pair of Joy-Cons at your sides and jump! The game keeps track of how many jumps you do each day, with a goal of 100 jumps. However, you can also set your own goal and pace if you prefer. If you want more of a challenge, you can try doing double-under jumps or even jump in tandem with a friend by passing a Joy-Con. Since its release, the game has received small updates with cosmetic additions like different backgrounds and character costumes inspired by other well-known Nintendo games.

ToyotaUk

Toyota Recalls Certain 2023 Camry and Camry Hybrid Models

PLANO, Texas (June 15, 2023) – Toyota is recalling a specific group of Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid vehicles in the U.S. This recall affects approximately 300 vehicles.

The issue with these vehicles is that the lug nuts may have been tightened insufficiently. As a result, the lug nuts may become loose and detach, potentially causing a wheel to come off while driving with low mileage. This poses a significant risk of losing control of the vehicle and increases the chances of a crash. It is crucial that owners of these vehicles refrain from driving them until the necessary repairs have been made.

To address the issue, Toyota dealers will inspect the lug nuts of the affected vehicles and tighten them to the correct specifications. If any damaged components are found, they will be replaced free of charge for the owners.

Starting from June 15, 2023, Toyota will inform the owners of the affected vehicles about the recall through various communication channels.

Please note that the information regarding automotive recalls, such as the list of affected vehicles, is accurate as of the date of filing and may be subject to changes. To check if your vehicle is part of this safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information.

If you have any additional questions, you can contact the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for assistance with Toyota vehicles.

Mazda

Statement on Safety Recall 5823D

ABS Hydraulic Control Unit Damage in Certain 2022~2023MY CX-30 and 2023MY CX-50 Vehicles

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO), on behalf of Mazda Motor Corporation, has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect affecting certain 2022-2023MY CX-30 and 2023MY Mazda CX-50 vehicles.

The defect involves internal damage in the Anti-lock Braking System Hydraulic Control Unit (ABS HCU) which can cause an increase in brake pedal travel length. This increased travel length may lead to a feeling of reduced braking ability when attempting to stop, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

No accidents or injuries have been reported due to this defect.

A total of 2,566 vehicles in the US and Canada are affected:

  • 2022-2023MY CX-30 – 2,556 units built at Mazda Motor Manufacturing de Mexico
  • 2023MY CX-50 – 10 units built at Mazda Toyota Manufacturing U.S.

Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification by mail. To stay updated, please visit mazdarecallinfo.com or nhtsa.gov.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and is responsible for sales, marketing, parts, and customer service support for Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, and Mexico through approximately 780 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario, while operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. Operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia.

For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO on Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and on Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.