*On the heels of the successful H2, Hummer is planning on an H3 and even an H4, says Automotive News. The H3 will be a downsized SUV, built on the same platform as GM's new-generation Colorado and Canyon midsize pickups, and is in the works for 2006. No word on what the H4 will be
*Speaking of the new GM trucks, it looks like they won't cause the immediate demise of the S-10. Not yet, anyway. GM will build crew-cab Chevy S-10s and GMC Sonomas for a couple more years, since demand for four-door compact trucks will outstrip what the General can make at first on the new midsize platform.
*Do you carry a VISA card from the AAA? If so, you're entitled to a 5-percent rebate every time you buy gasoline or diesel fuel with it "at any automated fuel pump worldwide." The maximum rebate is $3 per day, and the credit will show up on your credit card statement. For more info, go to the AAA's Web site: www.aaa.com.
*Some industry analysts feel diesel will be the "next big thing" in automotive powerplants as a means of cutting fuel use, but Bob Lutz doesn't agree. Interviewed at the Geneva Auto Show and quoted in Automotive News, GM's vice chairman said new Tier 2 clean-air standards in the U.S. (which go into effect between now and 2009) are "so severe that even the cleanest of European diesels with the technology known today are not going to pass." While it's true we'll be getting cleaner diesel fuel starting in 2006, even that won't help, Lutz said.
Celebrate Cherokee's 20th!
It hardly seems possible that 20 years have gone by since Jeep introduced the XJ. But it was two decades ago this fall that the Cherokee was introduced as an '84 model. The North American XJ Association (NAXJA) is commemorating the Cherokee's birthday with a 20th anniversary celebration to be held October 6-12 in Moab.
The event will include trail rides, a show-n-shine, special evening activities, and a raffle. Plus, a fully-built XJ will be given away by the association. For more information, visit NAXJA's Web site: www.naxja.org.
RecallsIf you own one of the following vehicles and haven't been notified by the maker that your vehicle is under recall, get yourself down to your local dealer to find out if the recall affects your 4x4.
*'03 Chevrolet Avalanche and Suburban, GMC Yukon XL: During "a 30-degree left angle frontal impact of sufficient severity," says the NHTSA, a tear could develop in the mid-frame crossmember at its attachment to the left framerail, and that tear could be sharp enough to puncture the fuel tank.
*'02 Nissan Xterra, Frontier: On supercharger-equipped trucks, under certain conditions (wide-open throttle when the engine is still cold), the amount of intake flow through the airflow meter "may exceed the maximum preset diagnosis limit value," say the Feds, resulting in the engine going into failsafe mode. Dealers will reprogram the ECU to fix the problem.
*'01-'03 Nissan Xterra, Frontier: On some 4x4 models, water may enter the rear axlehousing due to inadequate sealing of the ABS sensor, resulting in corrosion and eventual failure of the wheel bearing. If this occurs, the wheel assebly could separate from the vehicle. Dealers will inspect the rear axle for water intrusion and replace any affected components.
*'01 Nissan Xterra, Frontier: On certain models, the fuel-tank inlet shutter valve does not meet spec for sealing performance. This could lead to fuel spillage under certain conditions as the tank is being filled, which could lead to fire should an ignition source be present. Dealers will replace the fuel tank inlet shutter valve.