Autos
*Complaints about some cell phones erasing Nissan’s I-Keys for the 2007 Altima sedan and 2007 Infiniti G35 have the automaker advising customers to keep cell phones and the plastic fobs containing the starters “at least 1 inch apart at all times.” A statement by Nissan North America says some cell phones, if allowed to touch the I-Key while sending or receiving a call, may alter its electronic code. “When this happens, the I-Key will not start the vehicle and cannot be reprogrammed.” Nissan is modifying I-Keys to prevent the problem and will provide customers with the new keys in early fall.
*MG Rover’s Chinese owners have restarted production at the its factory in Birmingham, England, raising the Chinese flag alongside the MG banner and the Union Jack. Nanjing Automobile (Group) Corp., which bought the bankrupt MG Rover Group in 2005, says the plant will initially build 15,000 cars a year — the MG TF sports car and other new models.
Recall
*About 20,000 KTM off-road motorcycles are being recalled because the fuel-tank seal can loosen and leak fuel. Call 888-985-6090 or visit www.ktmnorthamerica.com or www.cpsc.gov.
Safety
*Toyota is replacing engines on about 20 2007 Tundra pickups. Camshafts in the 5.7-liter V-8s were improperly processed by a supplier and can snap, causing the engine to fail. About 30,000 Tundras have been sold since February, most with the optional 5.7-liter engine.
Air
*Comair will offer first-class seating for the first time in its 30-year history. The first-class cabins will be in 14 new 76-seat aircraft that will replace 50-seaters. The planes are Comair’s first new order in three years
Water
*Boaters on several Waukesha County, Wis., lakes no longer need to search the shore for gas. A Grafton engineer has launched a floating gas station that serves private boats on Pewaukee Lake and several smaller ones. Customers put a red flag on their docks, similar to those on rural residential mailboxes. Mark Moertl cruises in his 21-foot barge, topping off tanks. There is a $1-per-gallon markup.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebooks of Jim Mateja and Rick Popely, and from Tribune news services.
