More than 280,000 Hyundai Elantras Recalled Over Air-Bag Problems

Hyundai has issued two separate recalls for its Elantra sedans over air-bag related problems. The first action covers approximately 95,783 Elantras from the 2007-2008MY manufactured from July 14, 2006, through August 29, 2007. In this case, the air bag control module may receive an unstable electrical signal from the seat track position sensor and cause the driver's airbag to deploy at a higher pressure than intended. To fix the problem, the South Korean firm’s dealers will reprogram the air bag control module free of charge.

The second Elantra recall affects around 188,697 cars from the 2007-2009MY built from July 14, 2006, through November 1, 2008. Hyundai said that the weight sensor that deactivates the right frontal airbag when occupants of certain weights occupy the seat may become contaminated and malfunction causing the airbag deploy in crashes in which it should not deploy. Hyundai said it will take care of this issue by installing a protective cover over the weight classification system connector to prevent contamination.

Both Elantra recalls are expected to begin during April 2011. Concerned owners of the affected models may contact Hyundai's customer assistance center at 1-800-633-5151

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BMW, Hyundai and Renault Donate for Japan Earthquake Relief

After Japan’s local automakers, foreign car companies are also rallying to support people affected by the earthquake and the tsunami that hit the Asian nation on Friday. BMW has offered an emergency aid worth €1 million ($1.4 million) destined for the treatment of traumatized children, emergency aid and reconstruction work. The money will be split evenly between the international non-profit organization “Save the Children” and the Japanese Red Cross.

“We are deeply moved by the horrific suffering in the affected regions. During this difficult time, our thoughts and sympathies are with the Japanese people,” said Dr. Norbert Reithofer, CEO BMW AG. BMW has also encouraged its employees to show their solidarity with the victims of the earthquake by contributing to the two campaigns.

Another foreign company that has announced its help to the people of Japan is the Hyundai-Kia Group. The Korean conglomerate will donate to the Japanese Red Cross 100 million yen ($1.3 million) to assist the recovery efforts. The money will be used to cover immediate needs such as food, water and blankets. Hyundai's chairman Mong-Koo Chung sent condolence letters to Japanese business partners to express the company's sympathy and wishes for an early recovery.

Nissan's partner Renault also launched an emergency campaign to help those hit by the disaster. The company will donate €500,000 ($700,000) to the Red Cross and will enable its willing employees to make donations. Renault also promised to match the amount of money raised by the company’s employees. The money raised will be used to provide food, drugs and other vital supplies for people in the affected areas, as well as to pay for medical treatment and to organize blood donations.

"I am deeply touched by the spontaneous support shown by Renault employees for their colleagues at Nissan and, more widely, for the Japanese people,” said Carlos Ghosn, CEO Renault and Nissan. "The solidarity shown today in this tragedy demonstrates the strong ties between our two companies,” he added.

By Dan Mihalascu