Autos
*Cadillac used the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance to unveil the next-generation SRX crossover and the CTS Sport Wagon, both 2010 models. Styling on the SRX, due for sale globally in mid-2009, is similar to that of the Provoq concept from this year’s auto-show circuit.
*Prices on the redesigned 2009 Dodge Ram pickup start at $21,270 for a regular cab with the standard 3.7-liter V-6. The ’09 Ram also will come as a Quad Cab with small rear doors and a crew cab with four conventional doors. The Quad Cab starts at $25,325 and the Crew 1500 at $31,630.
*The Toyota Highlander, available with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine in 2008, will add a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder in January. It will produce 187 h.p. and team with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
*After considering some 18,000 names, Pontiac has chosen the G8 ST for General Motors’ latest iteration of the Chevy El Camino. The version of the G8 sedan with a 74-inch cargo bed will have a 3,500-pound towing capacity. It will be out late next year as a 2010.
*Ford is producing its new subcompact Fiesta at the Cologne Stamping and Assembly plant in Germany. Fiesta is the first vehicle to come out of Ford’s new global development process, which aims to tailor cars based on the same underpinnings to regional tastes. Fiesta’s slated to go on sale in the U.S. in 2010.
Recalls
*Hobbico Inc. is recalling about 11,000 batteries used in radio-controlled helicopter kits because the rechargeable battery can overheat and catch fire while charging. They were sold individually or with Heli-Max Axe CP-L kits. Call 866-462-2426 or visit www.helimaxrc.com or www.cpsc.gov.
*Electra Bicycle Co. is recalling about 1,500 Amsterdam bicycles because the interior alignment tabs of the chain guard can be pushed against the chain, causing it to derail. Call 800-261-1644 or visit www.electrabike.com or www.cpsc.gov.
Lakes
*The carferry S.S. Badger is back hauling vehicles and passengers across Lake Michigan after a mechanical problem caused a five-day interruption in service. A bearing that supports the starboard propeller shaft had come loose.
FYI
*Traffic fatalities fell to the lowest level since 1994 last year, and the rate based on miles driven dropped to a historic low. The number of people killed in motor-vehicle accidents declined 1.6 percent, to 41,059. The fatality rate fell to 1.37 per 100 million miles driven. While deaths among passenger vehicle occupants fell 5.7 percent, to 28,993, motorcycle deaths rose for the 10th straight year, up 6.6 percent, to 5,154, the highest since the federal government started collecting fatality data in 1975.
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Quick Trips are compiled from the notebook of Rick Popely and from Tribune news services.
