Autos
*The 2009 Ford Focus coupe will go on sale in August with new front and rear fascias, and the SES coupe will have standard 17-inch aluminum wheels and a spoiler integrated into the roof. Electronic stability control will be an option. The coupe took the place of the hatchback when the Focus was redesigned for 2008. Coupes will start at $15,920 for the SE and $17,340 for the SES. Freight adds $695.
Recall
*Bentley is recalling about 30,000 2004-08 Continental GT, GT Speed, GTC and Flying Spur models to replace a fuel filter that may corrode, particularly in areas where road salt is used, and leak.
Probe
*The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is looking into 130 complaints that fires occurred in the engine compartments of 1995-03 Ford Windstar minivans with 3- or 3.8-liter V-6 engines.
FYI
*General Motors is offering cash rebates of as much as $2,500 on many 2007 and 2008 U.S. models through June 2.
*The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group has signed an agreement with Microsoft Corp. to develop “infotainment” systems for Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The first application, due in North America in 2010, will be a voice-activated system that connects mobile devices such as cell phones and MP3 players to vehicles.
*The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has created an online tool that allows customers to conduct 10 services through the Internet. Services include access to driving records, reserving a personalized license plate, renewing registrations and order duplicate car titles. Driver’s license renewal still is not available at www.in.gov/bmv.
*Elite Pedicabs, based in Wyoming, Mich., plans to begin service in Lansing by next month. Co-owner Randy McCullough says the fare will be $3 for two blocks and $1 for each additional block for the service that will be offered Thursday through Saturday nights in the state’s capital.
*The Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is exempt from Detroit zoning ordinances under most circumstances, according the Michigan Supreme Court. The ruling clears the way for the Detroit International Bridge Co. to install new tollbooths, a diesel fuel station for its duty-free plaza and truck weigh stations.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebook of Rick Popely and from Tribune news services.
