News in Brief

13th October 2007

Suzuki callback over brake fear
Concerns about safety have forced Suzuki to recall two of its models. More than 18,000 Swift owners have been contacted by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA), as there’s a possibility that the handbrake may fail.

VOSA says affected vehicles, which include 1.3 and 1.5-litre petrol and 1.3-litre diesel models, may need new brake cables.

And 3,775 Grand Vitaras have been called back over a possible risk of fire. A design fault could result in an improper mix of air and fuel in the diesel particulate filter. For more info, log on to the www.vosa.gov.uk website.

It’s spray day for Volvo gritter star
There should be no excuse for motorists being late for work this winter. That’s because Volvo has launched its all-new gritter, which is so advanced, it can even throw salt under parked cars.

The Swedish manufacturer’s 18-tonne FL trucks are already being dispatched across the UK in preparation for the cold spell. A spokesman for Volvo said the latest Euro V-compliant lorries can be fitted with low-throw units made by Danish gritter specialist Epoke. These “improve coverage, reduce salt bounce, and help spread the grit underneath parked vehicles”.

Also included as standard is a GPS system, to keep the trucks on track. Two of the vehicles have already joined the fleet at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, S Yorks.

New £200 super stereo tops chart
Materials used in car interiors ruin the tunes pumping through your stereo, according to hi-fi giant Alpine. But bosses at the firm say they have designed new technology to correct it.

The Imprint head unit and speakers claim a world-first for automatically boosting the tone, balance and definition of tracks.

They analyse cabin acoustics, and alter the sound to account for interference. Windows are said to amplify high frequencies, while seats, dash coverings and carpets suppress sounds. Prices start at £200 for the head unit. Click on alpine-electronics.co.uk for more details on the set-up.