Autos
*Ford will introduce a new feature on many 2010 models that can limit teen drivers to 80 m.p.h., using a computer chip in the key. Parents also will be able to program teen’s key to limit the audio system’s volume and to sound alerts if the driver doesn’t wear a seat belt with MyKey.
*Bentley is rolling out its 2009 Arnage Final Series. It does zero to 60 in 5.2 seconds and zero to 100 in 12.1 seconds. Prices for the limited-edition — 150 cars — start at $220,000.
*Daimler, the world’s largest maker of commercial trucks, is preparing to use engine technology from Europe to meet 2010 U.S. standards for diesel emissions. The company’s Detroit Diesel unit plans to inject the chemical urea is into diesel-engine exhaust to reduce nitrous-oxide emissions.
Recalls
* Hyundai is recalling about 150,000 2001 Elantra sedans over potential electrical problems that could prevent the air bags from deploying.
* Hyundai is recalling about 75,000 2001-02 Elantras because issues with a wiring harness could prevent the side air bags from deploying and cause the air-bag warning light to illuminate.
*Helmet City is recalling 2,266 model No. 50 motorcycle helmets in sizes XS through XXL that don’t meet federal impact requirements. Call Helmet City at 888-550-3731.
Safety
*The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating more than 1 million Ford vehicles after receiving reports of tires leaking because of faulty valve stems made by a Chinese company. The probe involves the 2007 Ford F-150, Mustang, Edge, Fusion, Expedition, Explorer, Focus and Escape; Mercury Grand Marquis and Milan; and Lincoln MKX and MKZ.
FYI
*GMAC, General Motors finance arm, is lending only to carbuyers with credit scores of at least 700. GMAC wouldn’t say what percentage of customers won’t qualify, but the average score of all new-vehicle buyers in August was 749, up from 734 a year earlier, according to CNW Marketing Research Inc.
*Zipcar, the world’s largest car-sharing operation, has begun a two-year partnership with the Chicago Transit Authority to offer 11 Zipcars at eight CTA locations along the Blue, Brown, Green and Red Lines. Visit Zipcar.com.
*The Illinois Departments of Transportation and Natural Resources are warning motorists to be on the lookout for deer on the roadways. Fall is mating season, making it also the most likely for vehicular crashes, particularly dawn and dusk.
*An Anderson, Ind., program has begun to refurbish bicycles and provide them at little or no cost to people who need them. The Shadeland Bicycle Collective has collected 30 bicycles; it is seeking more, and tools, parts and helmets. Contact John Roy at 765-610-1466, Ben Orcutt at 513-533-1561 or bicycles@themercyhouse.com.
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Quick Trips are compiled from Tribune news services.
