Corrections - Last Washington Watch:

Hey, If You're Going to Use That Drill, How About Some Novocaine?

Update from Michael Shultz, former Greenpeace employee

In the April 20th issue of Kicking Asphalt, we published a piece by former BWC employee and Greenpeace organizer Michael Schultz defending President Obama's decision to increase drilling off the U.S. Coast.

The title of the article read, ''Hey, If You're Going to Use That Drill, How About Some Novocaine? Or Is Obama's Policy One That An Environmentalist Can Love?''

Of course, this preceded the British Petroleum oil spill that is now a major crisis in the Gulf of Mexico.

The editors of Kicking Asphalt wish to inform our readers that the words ''Only A Crazy'' were inadvertently left out of the headline before the word ''Environmentalist.'' The headline should have read: ''Or is Obama's Policy One That Only A Crazy Environmentalist Can Love.''

. . .the word ''Masochistic'' might also have been accidentally dropped.

We apologize for any confusion.

Go to article.

Update from Michael Shultz, former Greenpeace employee

Obviously, the oil spill in the gulf changed my opinions a bit. If an opinion isn't subject to change when circumstances warrant, then it's not a very well thought-out opinion. This was the first major offshore oil problem in the US since 1969. But the effects could be devastating enough to change our public perception and open the way to new solutions to our energy problems. I've always believed that crises precipitate change. As people in traditionally pro-oil states are inundated with the effects of their choices, it will fundamentally change their attitudes about long term betting on offshore drilling. That should open a cultural space for a new push for clean energy with both conservative and liberal support.

The problem with implementing clean energy solutions is that many people won't see global environmental problems for what they are. If we had a majority of global thinkers in the US, solutions would be easier to implement. We don't. Not yet. This spill might help people connect the dots and see the problem from a higher level. I think that Obama can use this event to redirect his energy strategy towards more renewable production and development.

We give our money to big corporations like BP because we've ceded them the production of the things that satisfy our needs and desires. If you want to do something to change that, organize within your local community or figure out a way to make a living by serving a need in your community. That way, we can more easily recover from environmental and economic disaster because we're addressing problems in our own backyards, which also undermines the dominance hierarchies that are the bases of many corporate and political structures, and creates local interdependence and self-sufficiency. In other words, power with rather than power over.

The issue that I was trying to get at in my original article was simpler, though. We are facing extremely complex global issues, and simplistic arguments from either political pole are generally wrong.

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To AAA Mid-Atlantic, Bikes Mean "War" On Motorists

AAA National Says They Didn't Mean It. . .

Meanwhile, DC Plans for Bike Lanes on Pennsylvania Ave Look Increasingly Like AAA's

On June 8th, the Washington DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced its new plan for the bike lanes set to open on the one mile stretch of Pennsylvania Avenue NW from the White House to the Capitol building (''the Promenade of Presidents''). Under DDOT's original plan, the leftmost traffic lanes on either side of the road were to form a wide bicycle corridor down the center of the Avenue, with bicyclists traveling in opposite directions separated by a median, and cyclists separated from motor vehicle traffic by a buffer zone. But that was all before the ''War.''

In a May 3rd press release, AAA Mid-Atlantic took a strong stance against DDOT's plan, insisting that the removal of two lanes of car traffic would lead to too much congestion in the heart of the capital to justify the opening of the bike lanes. The release recommended that ''lane closures...be approached with extreme caution to avoid excessive traffic delays and the diversion of motorists into neighborhood streets.'' We can't be 100% sure, but maybe it was AAA Mid-Atlantic's fear of even further delays that caused them to recommend the removal of speed bumps from those same neighborhoods. (Or maybe they just need to get their stories straight on neighborhood safety.)

Shortly after that press release, AAA Mid-Atlantic Managing Director of Public Affairs Lon Anderson released his own statement complaining about the DC government's ''war on motorists.''

Apparently, that worried AAA's national public affairs office, which then made an attempt to distance AAA national from the statements of Mid-Atlantic by reiterating their ''share the road'' message. Even so, it looks like AAA Mid-Atlantic, which did back down to pressure from national and issue a release on bike safety, has won this first battle (even if they're the only ones who seem to think they're fighting a war).

DDOT's new plan has restored the left lanes of Pennsylvania Avenue to motorists, and bike lanes will be in the median. As a result, the bike lanes will be significantly narrowed in some places, with no physical barrier between cyclists riding in opposite directions. And in others places, there will no longer be a buffer between cyclists and motor vehicle traffic. Strange, considering that DDOT's principal justification for amending its plan was its concern for cyclists' safety, which was echoed by AAA spokespeople. (Apparently a wide bike lane would look too much like any other lane for a motorist not to just drive into it.) What's more, because bike lanes will be in the median, it's likely that cyclists will now come into contact with pedestrians waiting for crossing signals in the safe zones at the center of the road.

DDOT denies having given in to pressure from AAA -- or anyone else, but its readiness to return Pennsylvania Avenue's contested left lanes to DC's motorists in the name of safety seems a little too conveniently in line with the position espoused by AAA in its yellow press.

Ironically, the results of the same poll used by AAA Mid-Atlantic to justify its claim of bike lanes drawing the ''ire of motorists'' give good reason to think that expanded bike lanes would in fact lessen congestion. From AAA Mid-Atlantic's initial press release: ''20 percent of surveyed AAA members in the District said the changes would compel them to become regular bicycle commuters.'' Considering that not nearly that percentage of DC commuters currently travel by bike, that's a potentially huge number of people getting out of their cars and onto their bikes.

Better World Club supports bikes, bike lanes, and is still the only auto club to offer nationwide Bicycle roadside. We'd love to talk to that 20 percent.

- Join Better World Club!

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Local Volcano Acting Up?

Find Out if That Ash Cloud Will Affect Your Flight Before You Head to the Airport

Eyjafjallajokull may not be in your neck of the woods, but who's to say when the long dormant volcano in your (proverbial) backyard will start spewing huge plumes of ash into the sky disrupting flight schedules across your entire side of the continent? At least you needn't worry about wasting time waiting at the airport for a delayed or canceled flight.

FlightArrivals.com is a comprehensive, independent source of arrival and departure information. The site makes flight statuses searchable by flight number, airport, or by flights between two airports -- which makes more sense at the site than it sounds like it should. FlightArrivals.com also provides airport maps and information on routes, airlines, and seating, all available through a short series of clicks.

So even if volcano-induced large scale flight delays aren't your particular inconvenience, FlightArrivals.com is an incredibly useful resource. And if wasting time at airports is your thing, you can always search an airport map to find all of the Hudson News outlets at your port of arrival or departure. Get searching!

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The Recession's Not Over Yet!

Save Gas by Downsizing and Cutting Back on Bling

- Smaller vehicles are inherently more fuel efficient. Plus, smaller cars are now being made with more interior space and include safety features to better protect passengers in collisions with larger vehicles. See our archived newsletters for BWC's high mileage reviews. (See below for this month's.)

- It's fun to pimp your ride, but if your new wheels and tires are wider (or have a wider tread) than the stock set, they might decrease your fuel efficiency. Keep your stock wheels and tires available for long trips.

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Intex Solutions

Sustainable Commercial Carpet and Textile Care

Intex Solutions is a leading company in the care of commercial carpets and other interior finishes. Intex is based in Los Angeles and has served the corporate and retail sectors for over 30 years, maximizing the appearance and life of interior surfaces while providing care in an environmentally responsible manner.

Intex seeks to set a standard for small businesses in environmentally responsible practices. Their proprietary EcoTex system achieves superior cleaning quality and conserves valuable water resources while protecting human health and the environment. Its primary cleaning agent, EcoTex H, has already earned the cleaning industry's highest environmental credential, the Green Seal Certification. What's more, Intex cleans CO₂OL by offsetting any climate-changing gas released by its normal energy usage during cleaning with a donation to the Carbon Fund.

Better World Club is proud to provide roadside assistance to Intex employees through our employee benefit program.
Interested in keeping your employees safe on the road with Better World Club? Contact us!

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May 2010 Recalls

Big Dog is recalling certain 2004 Chopper, Bulldog, Ridgeback, Mastiff, Boxer, and Pitbull motorcycles. There is a possible loose connection between the harness connector and the electronic harness controller. This condition may cause the motorcycle to experience intermittent loss of electrical power to various components, which can lead to, among other things, a loss of headlamp function or a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. Big Dog will notify owners and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall began on May 24, 2010. Owners may contact Big Dog at 1-316-219-9121.

BRP is recalling certain model year 2010 Sea-Doo Advanced Tec trailers manufactured from December 10, 2009 through March 22, 2010. The latching mechanism of a sea-doo personal watercraft to an Advanced Tec trailer (known as the iCatch) may be misadjusted and not properly secure the front end of the personal watercraft being transported. When this condition exists, it is possible that road oscillations cause the personal watercraft to jump out of the iCatch hook part of the mechanism. If the rear latching straps are not used to properly secure the back end of the personal watercraft, it may slide off the trailer increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a safety cable on the front latch mechanism, to affix an updated label on the trailer and to give to the owner an updated user guide. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before June 15, 2010. Owners may contact BRP at 1-888-638-5397.

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Dodge Caliber vehicles. Some vehicles may have been built with an incorrect door lock rod in the right front door. An unlatched door could increase the risk of an unbelted front seat passenger being ejected from the vehicle. Dealers will inspect and replace the front right door lock rod as required free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Charger, Jeep Commander, Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with a wireless ignition node (WIN) module exhibiting a binding condition of the solenoid latch. The result of the defect could lead to a condition where the key may be removed from the ignition switch (WIN module) prior to placing the shifter in park. This could result in the potential for unintended vehicle movement and could increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the WIN module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during July 2010. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's recall campaign number is K08.

DTNA is recalling certain Detroit Diesel engines, models DD13, DD15, and DD16, manufactured from January 1, 2007 through April 5, 2010, installed as original equipment in certain heavy duty trucks. Should the fuel filter become restricted, the low pressure fuel flange may develop a crack resulting in a leak of diesel fuel. Diesel fuel leaking onto the roadway may result in a vehicle crash. DTNA will notify owners and repairs will be performed by Detroit Diesel free of charge. Each vehicle manufacturer will file a defect report and remedy plan for their vehicles that included these engines as original equipment. The safety recall began on May 5, 2010. Owners may contact Detroit Diesel at 1-313-592-5800 or Daimler Trucks at 1-800-547-0712. Detroit Diesel's recall campaign number is 10C-3.

Eaton is recalling certain Eaton and Fuller branded medium duty automated mechanical transmissions, models UltraShift HV with park feature, part numbers FO-5506B-DMS, FO-6506B-DM3, F-5505-DM3 AND F-6505B-DM3, and the Hybrid transmission with park feature, part numbers EH-6E606B-CD, EH-6E606B-P, EH-6E706B-CD, EH-6E706B-P, AND EH-6E706B-UPG. These transmissions are sold and installed as original equipment in medium duty commercial and school bus vehicles. Due to an error in the installation process, the park feature may not engage. If the park feature does not engage, the vehicle can move without warning, possibly resulting in personal injury or death. Each vehicle manufacturer will file a defect report and remedy plan for their vehicles that included these automatic transmissions with park feature as original equipment. Eaton is working with the vehicle manufactures to identify vehicles that may contain the defect. The affected vehicles will be repaired free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact their vehicle manufacturer or Eaton at 1-800-826-4357 or 1-269-342-3242.

EZ Loader is recalling certain model year 2010 EZ loader single axle boat trailers. There is a potential for the spindle to separate from the axle causing the tire and wheel to separate from the trailer while underway. This occurrence could result in a crash without prior warning. Dealers will have repair teams to come to where the trailer is located and make the necessary repairs or, owners may have the trailer transported to a dealer or another repair facility capable of performing the repairs. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on May 31, 2010. Owners may contact EZ Loader at 1-800-398-5623.

Fabtech is recalling certain aftermarket replacement pitman arms, p/nos. FTS93001 and FT44039, installed for use on certain 2003 through 2008 Dodge 2500 4WD, 3500 4WD, and 1500 4WD Mega Cab vehicles. The pitman arm can fracture and break away from the steering box causing total loss of steering control. Steering loss could result in a vehicle crash possibly resulting in property damage, injury or death. Fabtech will notify owners and authorized installers will inspect for defective pitman arm and replace if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on May 24, 2010. Owners may contact Fabtech at 1-877-432-2832. This recall only pertains to aftermarket Fabtech replacement pitman arms and has no relation to any original equipment installed on Dodge 2500, 3500, and 1500 vehicles manufactured by Chrysler Group, LLC.

Farber Specialty Vehicles (FSV) is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 FSV Specialty Vehicles manufactured between October 2007 and December 2009 and fitted with certain Ricon S Series and K Series L-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point. When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries. FSV will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized Ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, Ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a DVD-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall began on April 20, 2010. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or FSV at 1-614-863-6470.

FCP Groton is recalling certain steering center drag links, p/n 32 21 1 096 057, sold from December 2009 through April 9, 2010 as replacement equipment for model year 1995 through 2001 BMW 740i, 740iL, and 750iL passenger vehicles. The shaft of the steering center tie rod may shear off. This condition would result, without warning, in immediate and complete loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in serious injury or death. FCP Groton will notify owners and the tie rod will be replaced free of charge. The safety recall began on May 28, 2010. Owners may contact FCP Groton toll-free at 1-877-634-0063. This recall only pertains to aftermarket FCP Groton steering center drag links bearing p/n 31 21 1 096 057 from December 1, 2009 through April 9, 2010 and has no relation to any original equipment installed on any vehicles manufactured by BMW.

Fleetwood RV is recalling certain model year 2009 Jamboree Sport and Model Year 2010 Jamboree, Jamboree Sport, Tioga and Tioga Ranger model 31N and Encounter model 32H Class A & C motor homes manufactured from April 23, 2009 through March 17, 2010. The LPG supply lines for the water heater and furnace that are routed through a hole in the floor may become damaged by sharp edges if unprotected. The damage LPG supply lines may result in a propane gas leak and could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the LPG supply lines, and install wire looms and secure the supply lines as necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on May 31, 2010. Owners may contact Fleetwood at 1-800-509-3418.

Fleetwood RV is recalling certain model year 2010 Discovery model 40G and 40X class a motor homes manufactured from November 25, 2009 through January 8, 2010 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Achorages." The seat belts located on the sofa bed may not be adequately mounted for effective occupant restraint. Lack of adequate seat belt protection increases the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash. Dealers will inspect the sofa bed seat belt mountings and if necessary reinstall them to a floor-mounted location. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on May 31, 2010. Owners may contact Fleetwood RV at 1-800-509-3418.

Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Ranger vehicles manufactured from June 8, 2009 through February 2, 2010 equipped with manual transmission. It is possible for the parking brake cable to become disconnected from the right rear actuator during cold weather. This may occur when the parking brake is released if wet parking brake shoes have frozen in the applied position. If the right rear parking brake cable becomes disconnected, the pedal will have extended travel and may not fully apply the parking brake. A manual transmission vehicle parked in neutral without a fully applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash. Dealers will install a revised right rear parking brake actuator to prevent cable disconnection free of charge. The safety recall began on May 21, 2010. Owners may contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's recall campaign number is 10S12.

Ford is recalling certain model year 2010 Fusion, Milan, and Escape vehicles manufactured from February 27, through March 26, 2010. The park rod guide retention pin may not have been properly installed which fails to conform to the requirement of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention". A vehicle parked without an engaged park pawl and without an applied parking brake may have unintended movement which may cause a crash. Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on May 28, 2010. Owners may contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 and for the hearing impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (TDD). Representatives are available Monday through Friday: 8:00am - 5:00pm. Ford's recall campaign number is 10C12.

General Motors is recalling certain model year 2010 Cadillac SRX equipped with a 2.8l V6 engine. If low octane (regular) fuel is used in the vehicle instead of the required high octane (premium) fuel as stated in the owner manual and on the fuel filler door, the combination of regular fuel usage and aggressive driving maneuvers may induce pre-ignition. If pre-ignition occurs, you may hear a pinging or knocking sound from the engine. If the vehicle continues to be driven after the onset of this noise, a connecting rod or piston may break, resulting in engine damage, and perhaps engine failure, which would disable the vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the engine control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before June 11, 2010. Owners may contact the Cadillac Customer Assistance Center at 1-866-982-2339 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com. GM's recall campaign number is N100093.

Kustom Fit, a Division of Villa Furniture Mfg. Co. Inc. is recalling certain driver and passenger seats, Part No. 5564, sold and installed as original equipment for Rexhall motorhomes. The seat's slide tracks fail to conform to the static pull test of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Nos. 207, "Seating Systems," and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages." In the event of a crash, the seat's slide tracks can separate, possibly resulting in injury. Kustom Fit is working with Rexhall to notify owners and the motorhomes will be repaired free of charge. Repairs will be performed by authorized dealers. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Kustom Fit at 1-323-564-4481.

Lamborghini is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 Murcielago and Murcielago Roadster vehicles. The welds holding the fuel pump support inside the fuel tank could detach. This situation may result in a fuel leak. Fuel leakage, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Dealers will replace the fuel tank free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Lamborghini at 1-912-409-5634 or 1-508-808-9562.

Load Rite is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Watercraft personal trailers. The capacity of the rim did not match the capacity of the tire. This causes the wheel assembly to not be sufficient for the application. There is a potential for the rim to fail increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the tires and wheels on all trailers free of charge. The safety recall began on May 24, 2010. Owners may contact Load Rite at 1-215-949-5842.

Main Mobility is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 conversion vans built on Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana chassis from October 2007 through May 2010 and fitted with certain Ricon S series and K series L-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point. When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries. Main mobility will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized Ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, Ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a DVD-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall began on May 27, 2010. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or Main Mobility at 1-716-759-6811. This recall only pertains to vehicles altered by Main Mobility and has no relation to any vehicles manufactured by General Motors.

Max-Trac, dba Avon Motorcycle Tyres, is recalling certain Avon Cobra AV72 motorcycles tires, size 240/50R16 84V, produced from October 11 through November 7, 2009. These tires fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No 119, "New Pneumatic Tires for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 Pounds) and Motorcycles." Separation of the breaker / ply can occur resulting in early failure. Should this occur, the tread may separate from the tire casing increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Avon Motorcycle Tyres will notify owners and replace the tires free of charge, including mounting and balancing. The safety recall began on May 17, 2010. Owners may contact Avon Motorcycle Tyres North America at 1-800-624-7470, Option 5. Max-Trac's recall campaign number is 153.

Mobility Works is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 conversion vans built on Ford E150, E250, and E350 chassis and Chevrolet 2500 chassis after November 2007 and fitted with certain Ricon S series and K series L-model wheelchair lifts. Due to a problem in the software that controls the lift's "up" function, should the "up" button be released before the floor level limit switch is activated, the lift may continue its upward travel and may overrun the floor level cut off point. When the platform overruns the vehicle floor level and stops at an angle from 15-20 degrees, it is possible for a person in a wheelchair to tip over and for someone standing on the platform to fall, possibly resulting in injuries. Mobility Works will notify owners and the repairs will be performed by authorized Ricon dealers free of charge. A software solution for this safety defect is under investigation. Until the software solution is available, Ricon will provide owners with a bulletin outlining proper wheelchair lift operation and will ship owners a DVD-based training aid to promote proper lift operation at no cost. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or Mobility Works at 1-800-769-8267. This recall only pertains to vehicles altered by Mobility Works and has no relation to any vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company or General Motors.

Mobility Works is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 conversion vans built on Ford E150, E250, and E350 chassis after November 2007 and fitted with Ricon public use lifts. The restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. Ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. In this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. If the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform. The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled. Mobility works is working with Ricon and Ricon will be performing the remedy for this campaign. Please see Ricon's defect report 09E-060. Ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a DVD-based training aid. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or mobility works at 1-800-769-8267. This recall only pertains to vehicles altered by Mobility Works and has no relation to any vehicles manufactured by Ford Motor Company.

Newmar is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 motor homes manufactured from October 13, 2009 through April 12, 2010. These motor homes may contain a defective crimp connection in the auxiliary battery cable assembly. The defective connection may result in an inadequate electrical connection or disengagement of the cable. Resultant electrical arcing and overheating may generate sufficient heat for ignition of surrounding materials. Failure of the connection may result in a vehicle fire. The manufacturer has not yet provided a remedy or an owner notification schedule for this campaign. Owners may contact Newmar at 1-574-773-7791.

Nissan is recalling certain left and front lower links, P/Nos. 54501ZQ00A, 54500ZQ00A, 551A1ZQ00A, 551A0ZQ00A , 54501EA00A, 54500EA00A, 551A1EA500, 551A0EA500, 54501ZR00A, AND 54500ZR00A, sold as replacement parts for model year 2004 through 2010 Titan, Armada, and QX56, and model years 2005 through 2010 Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinder vehicles manufactured from November 19, 2009 through March 3, 2010. The lower control link assembly has two cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment points to the chassis. Due to an improper welding process some collars may contain welds that do not meet strength specifications. If the collar weld separates, the vehicle handling will deteriorate, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. Nissan will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected lower link free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 14, 2010. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 Altima vehicles manufactured from April 7, 2010 through April 13, 2010. Some of the front side member assembly components may not have been welded to specification due to a tool maintenance error. If several structural welds are out of specification on a single vehicle, it may have an effect on the vehicle crash performance. Dealers will inspect and if necessary repair free of charge. The safety recall began on May 13, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Nissan is recalling certain model year 2010 Titan, Armada, QX56, Frontier, Xterra, and Pathfinder vehicles manufactured from November 19, 2009 through March 3, 2010. The lower control link assembly has two cylindrical collars forming the inboard attachment points to the chassis. Due to an improper welding process some collars may contain welds that do not meet strength specifications. If the collar weld separates, the vehicle handling will deteriorate, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. Nissan will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 14, 2010. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Skyline is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2007 Park Model Trailers manufactured from June 1, 2003 through May 31, 2007. The plug in remote control receiver for the fireplace can overheat. This could result in a fire. Skyline will notify owners and replace the receivers free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Skyline toll-free at 1-800-733-4250.

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010 Outback and Legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from July 31 through December 1, 2009. A crack or split can occur in the CVT cooler hose resulting in a fluid leak. If the fluid is completely leaked during driving, the vehicle will come to a stop, possibly resulting in a crash. Subaru will notify owners and dealers will replace any affected cooler hoses free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 7, 2010. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-SUBARU3 (1-800-782-2783). Subaru's recall campaign number is WVQ-27.

Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2010 equator pickup trucks manufactured from November 20, 2009 through March 3, 2010. The lower control link bushing collars, located in the front suspension, may contain welds that do not meet strength specifications. If a collar weld separates, it may change the wheel alignment, potentially allowing the vehicle handling characteristics to deteriorate. This could cause the driver to have difficulty controlling the vehicle which could result in a crash. Dealers will inspect, and if necessary replace, one or both lower control links on the vehicle free of charge. The safety recall began on June 1, 2010. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.

Thule, Inc. is recalling certain model Domestique aftermarket rooftop bicycle carriers, P/N 513. The fork head boss may fail while tightening it to the front mounting plate of the carrier. The bike may separate from the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash or personal injury. Thule will provide a repair kit containing a new boss head free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 4, 2010. Owners may contact Thule at 1-800-848-5322.
Toyota is recalling certain Model Year 2009 and 2010 Lexus LS460 and LS600 vehicles manufactured from August 20, 2009 through May 13, 2010. A programming change of the steering control ECU for the variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system can cause improper activation of the steering system protection logic designed to protect the system when larger than normal steering inputs are applied at a fully turned position. Improper activation of the steering system protection logic can cause the steering wheel to become off-center up to 90 degrees. This may occur after the driver has fully turned the steering wheel in one direction then quickly attempts to turn it back to the center position. Should this occur while driving, the risk of a crash is increased. Toyota will notify owners and Lexus dealers will replace the steering control ECU free of charge. Toyota has not determined when the safety recall is expected to begin. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

UFI Filters USA is recalling certain aftermarket fuel filters sold under the Purolator brand name, P/N F65277, shipped from March 11 through April 27, 2010, for use on various passenger vehicles. Due to incorrect design, the quick connectors may not function properly. If this condition occurs while attempting to start the vehicle, a no-start condition may result and fuel may be pumped out onto the ground and if an ignition source is present, a fire can occur. If this condition occurs while the vehicle is in motion, the engine may stop due to inadequate fuel supply and this could result in a loss of power steering assist or a loss of brake power assist, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. UFI will notify owners and replace the filters free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact UFI Filters USA at 1-888-787-1740. This recall only pertains to UFI Filters USA (Purolator) aftermarket fuel filters and has no relation to original equipment installed in any vehicles.

Volvo is recalling certain model year 2010 XC70 vehicles manufactured from December 5, 2006 through October 1, 2009 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims." The FMVSS label, tire and loading information label and a page in the owner's manual contain incorrect maximum permissible inflation pressure according to FMVSS 110. This does not meet the requirements of the standard. The corrective action is to update the vehicles with a new FMVSS label, tire and loading information label and TPMS software. Volvo retailers will also apply a label with correct maximum tire pressure information to the owner's manual. This service will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Wildcat is recalling certain model year 2004-2009 510 and model year 2007-2009 510LT trailers equipped with an adjustable length tongue assembly. The pintle eye used in the tongue assembly does not have an adequate vertical or horizontal load rating for the gross weight of the vehicle. The pintle eye could fail resulting in separation of the tongue from the tow vehicle increasing the risk of a crash. Field kit modifications are currently under development. The safety recall is expected to begin during June 2010. Owners may contact Wildcat at 1-800-627-3954.

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