Autos
*The Smart Fortwo has received the highest crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for front and side impacts and the second highest for rear crash protection. Though the Fortwo, the smallest car sold in the U.S., was rated “good” in front and side crashes, the institute said the driver’s door opened in the side crash, which increases the chance an occupant can be partially or fully ejected.
Recall
*Ford is recalling more than 655,000 2005-06 Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT pickups with 5.4-liter 3-valve engines to fix a hose that could affect the vehicles’ braking power. Dealers will replace the hose at no charge.
Air
*Delta Air Lines is closing airport VIP lounges in Boston; Cincinnati; Kansas City; Seattle; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Phoenix; Denver; Honolulu; and London, citing the need to manage costs due to hefty fuel prices and align Delta’s clubs to its flight schedule.
FYI
*Buy a Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicle and you could get the chance to vent to the CEO. Starting in late May, the top 300 executives of Chrysler will begin calling a customer a day to get feedback on the vehicles and sales process, says Doug Betts, Chrysler’s chief customer officer. The idea came from Chairman and Chief Executive Robert Nardelli, who will be among those on the line. Betts points out that unhappy customers will tell more people about their experiences than satisfied ones.
*American Suzuki will throw in free gas for three months for customers who qualify for zero percent financing for 60 months on 2007 and 2008 vehicles. The program runs through June 30, and customers who qualify will receive a gas debit card with a prepaid value of $320 to $470 depending on the model purchased. Chrysler is offering a gas card that caps the prices consumers pay at $2.99 for three years.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebook of Rick Popely and from Tribune news services.
