Autos
– Nissan plans to add the Rogue, a crossover wagon to compete with small sport-utility vehicles from Toyota. The Rogue will go on sale in late 2007, according to Nissan, which is mum on the vehicle’s features, size, price or assembly site. Analysts say the Rogue probably will be built in Japan off the Sentra platform. It will be “a bit smaller than Honda’s CR-V or Toyota’s RAV4,” says Joe Langley, of CSM Worldwide Inc. in Farmington Hills, Mich.
– Brazilian carmaker Obvio!, which will manufacture microsport cars powered by gasoline or electricity, has signed a contract to sell at least 50,000 units annually to the U.S., says Chief Executive Ricardo Machado. Obvio!’s cars can reach 120 m.p.h. and get 29.4 m.p.g. city/40.7 m.p.g. highway. Production is set to start in 2007 with prices from $14,000 to $28,000 for gaso versions and $49,000 for the electric.
Recalls
– Scion is recalling about 30,000 2005-06 tC sports coupes over concerns that the side air bags could deploy if the door is slammed forcefully while the ignition is on or within 90 seconds of it being turned off. Dealers will replace the side bag sensors at no charge. Consumers can call the automaker at 866-707-2466.
– Nissan is recalling some 80,000 2004-06 Murano SUVs and Maxima sedans in North America to correct a defect with “intelligent” ignition keys. Some rods connecting the ignition part with the starter are too long, so the cars may not start properly. The engines also can start when the ignition is turned off and the driver moves the steering wheel.
Boating
– US SAILING is accepting nominations for its Rolex Yachtsman and Yachtswoman of the Year awards though Nov. 30. The award, presented since 1961, is given to the male and female sailors who have turned in the most outstanding performances on the water in this calendar year. To nominate a sailor, visit www.ussailing.org/awards/rolex.
Air
– Sky Value, a British airline, also says it will begin service in the U.S. Dec. 1, running its first regularly scheduled passenger flights out of the Gary-Chicago International Airport.
– A group in Peru, Ind., led by former Marine John Walker is working to restore a Huey helicopter to flying condition to educate future generations of the aircraft’s importance in the Vietnam War. Walker and his organization, American Huey 369, they have been working on the chopper for two years. Visit www.americanhuey369.com.
FYI
– Racing legend Roger Penske and Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, along with officials from the Indy Racing League, have announced the return of the Detroit Grand Prix to Belle Isle, the island park in the Detroit River. The race, on a 2-mile course, will be held Sept. 1 next year.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebooks of Jim Mateja and Rick Popely, and from Tribune news services.
