Autos
– Mazda says it will sell a gas/electric version of the Tribute sport-utility vehicle built by partner Ford to meet growing demand for hybrids in the U.S. Mazda plans to introduce its Tribute hybrid in the second quarter.
Recalls
– The number of cars and trucks recalled in the U.S. decreased 38 percent in 2006, as automakers reduced safety-related defects. General Motors and Ford saw the largest declines, 73 and 71 percent, respectively, according to the Detroit Press and Detroit News. Overall, the U.S. auto industry recalled 10.6 million vehicles in 2006, down by 6.5 million from 2005. Recalls increased at Chrysler Group, Nissan and Volkswagen, with Chrysler calling back 2.3 million vehicles.
Rail
– Amtrak U.S. passenger railroad needs a one-time subsidy of up to $12 billion to improve service in places such as the East Coast. To position Amtrak for the future, Congress should include $5 billion for tracks, switches and other East Coast corridor upgrades as part of a three-year funding target of $10 billion to $12 billion, according to Rep. James Oberstar, 72, (D-Minn.), chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Amtrak’s subsidy last year was $1.3 billion.
FYI
– The grace period is over for Wisconsin drivers whose children ages 4 through 7 are not in a booster seat. The law took effect in June, but through Dec. 18 105 warnings were issued to drivers not in compliance. Now, drivers face $135.60 fine for a first offense and $184.50 for a second when children 4 through 7 are not properly restrained. For children younger than 4, the fine is $160.80 for a first offense.
– For the first time, Toyota, Japan’s largest automaker, has sold more vehicles in the U.S. than at home. Toyota’s U.S. sales last year rose 13 percent, to 2.54 million cars and light trucks. Sales in Japan, including those of the company’s Daihatsu Motor Co. and Hino Motors Ltd. units, were 2.37 million.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebooks of Jim Mateja and Rick Popely, and from Tribune news services.
