Autos
*Pontiac’s rear-wheel-drive G8 sedan will start at $26,900 in V-6 version when it goes on sale in early 2008; the V-8 GT will start at $29,300. The prices do not include $695 for freight. The base model has a 3.6-liter V-6 and 5-speed automatic as standard. The GT has a 6-liter V-8 and 6-speed automatic.
*All 2007 and 2008 Saabs are eligible for General Motors Corp.’s GM Mobility program, offering financial assistance to customers who install adaptive mobility equipment. Customers can receive up to $1,000 for one or more of 35 eligible modifications such as hand controls, wheelchair lifts and scooter hoists. Also included are two extra years of OnStar service.
*Toyota will unveil the 2009 Corolla sedan and Matrix hatchback Oct. 31 at the Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas. Both are scheduled to go on sale in the first quarter of 2008.
*Base prices for the redesigned 2008 Ford Focus are $14,075 for the S coupe and $14,375 for the S sedan, not including the $620 destination charge. SE versions of both add $1,000. The top-of-the-line SES starts at $16,075 for the coupe and $16,375 for the sedan. The 2008s are due out by late October. Sync, Ford’s new communications and entertainment system, is standard on the SES and a $395 option on the SE.
Recalls
*Chrysler is recalling 125,000 2007-08 Sebring and Dodge Avenger cars with 2.4-liter engines to address a problem with the cooling fan motor connector that could lead to engine fires. Under hot conditions, engine coolant could spill and soak into the cooling fan motor wires, leading to overheating.
*Razor is recalling some 20,000E300 electric scooters because a weld can break, causing the handlebar to detach, leading the rider to lose control and fall. The involved scooters, which are either blue or silver, have bar codes beginning in 100620-03 through -09. Call 866-623-3297 or visit www.razor.com/recall or www.cpsc.gov.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebook of Rick Popely and from Tribune news services.
