Motors News

Nissan unveils revamped Micra with cabin and trim changes
Nissan has unveiled a revised Micra which will go on sale later this year. The new version has tweaked styling, with a more Qashqai-like font grille and some changes to the cabin with new trim and controls. Nissan hasn't mentioned any mechanical changes as yet which presumably means the Micra will persist with its 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, in naturally aspirated and supercharged forms, for now.

Fear of potential electrical fire triggers Mazda 6 recall
Mazda is recalling its new Mazda 6 over fears that a cracked chip may lead to electrical fires. Just two months after the car was launched the Japanese car firm has announced a safety recall over a DC/DC converter chip that is linked to the radio system.

A spokesman said that some chips were found to be cracked and as a result may overheat and ultimately start a fire.

However, he said that the potential problem was spotted during internal testing and there have been no incidents to date involving owners.

The recall will involve 52 cars in Ireland, where the Mazda 6 was launched in late January. It mainly involves diesel models so the recall affects the firm's Europe an, Asian and Australian markets. Customers can expect to be contacted this week and all work will be carried out at dealerships free of charge.

Carmaker to launch big sales drive
Seat is targeting a doubling of its sales if it is to remain a viable part of the VW Group. Those are the words of James Muir, an ex-boss of Mazda in Europe and now head of Seat.

The Spanish carmaker sold 320,000 cars last year but Muir believes that it needs to sell twice that amount in the short term, with a longer-term target of one million sales a year.

The new Leon has been well received but Seat is thought to be planning a crossover-style Nissan Qashqai rival from the same MQB component set that underpins the Leon.

Labour unrest at Dacia Romanian plant
Dacia workers have gone on strike in protest at what they see as low pay and unfair work practices.

Several hundred workers at Dacia’s main plant, in Mioveni, in Romania, walked out last week when, they said, management ignored a claim for a 25 per cent pay raise.

Workers are also complaining that they are being subjected to unfair alcohol testing before being allowed into work.

In response Dacia said that the one-day stoppage was unofficial and therefore illegal.