1967 Buick Riviera on 2040-cars

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GM SUV window switch recall urges owners to park vehicles outside

It's not unusual for there to be a lag between an automaker announcing a recall and the official documentation showing up on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. So it's no surprise that a recent GM campaign took about a month to appear in its official capacity. However, there appears to be some big differences between the two reports with potential safety implications.
In late June, GM announced that it needed to recall 181,984 examples of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Buick Rainier, GMC Envoy, Isuzu Ascender and Saab 9-7x from the 2005-2007 model years, plus the 2006 Chevy Trailblazer EXT and 2006 GMC Envoy XL. The new documents paint a slightly different picture with 184,611 needing repaired and different model years listed.
The reason for the fix is still the same, though. It's possible for fluid to contact the master power window switch module in the driver's door, which can corrode the part. Eventually this could cause a short circuit, leaving the buttons inoperable and potentially leading to a fire. But the new NHTSA documents add an important note: "A fire could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. As a precaution, owners are advised to park outside until the remedy has been made."

Opel readying Adam model with SUV cues

The Opel Adam, the microcar of General Motors' European subsidiary, has seen its sales cool significantly since it first hit the market in the United Kingdom and Europe, but a push is reportedly under way that just might be enough to get the stylish, little car moving again.
Using the Opel Adam Rocks Concept as a template, Opel will ruggedize the Adam, so that it might compete with the growing herd of city cars that sport SUV styling, like the Volkswagen Cross Up and Fiat Panda 4x4, according to a report from Automotive News Europe. Sporting a bumped-up ride height and tougher body work, it's a dedicated soft-roader, but will freshen the Adam's lineup and, hopefully, broaden its customer appeal.
The Adam Rocks, according to IHS Automotive analyst Ian Fletcher, should also make some more coin for GM's struggling European arm. "Automakers are happy to meet demand for SUV and crossovers as the customer pays a premium," Fletcher told ANE. And although the Rocks might have been planned from the start as a production vehicle, the timing, with the Adam's sales slowdown, doesn't seem like a coincidence.

Buick Electra-X SUV Concept is a sporty-looking electric crossover

We all saw the gorgeous Buick WIldcat EV concept yesterday, but slipping under the radar was another Buick concept revealed in China: the Electra-X Concept SUV. Buick is planning on using “Electra” to name its future EVs, and this is our first look at a concept with the name attached to it. Specifically, Buick says that this concept “previews the production version of BuickÂ’s new generation of electric vehicles in China, underpinned by GMÂ’s revolutionary Ultium platform.” Nowhere in BuickÂ’s announcement does the brand say this concept will transfer to future Buicks in the U.S., but itÂ’s an interesting thought to entertain. The Electra-X Concept SUV looks like a fastback SUV, or crossover coupe, which is already a common bodystyle here in North America. Seeing that BuickÂ’s intention is to use the Ultium platform, that gives even more reason that something along these lines could find its way into U.S. showrooms. This specific concept is all about design, and itÂ’s easily the most attractive Buick SUV weÂ’ve seen. Buick says the carÂ’s “fresh and youthful” expression is meant to appeal to younger customers. It certainly looks far more sporty than what weÂ’re used to seeing from Buick, which is a good thing. YouÂ’ll notice itÂ’s wearing a new Buick badge up front. The light design in front and back is meant to resemble what weÂ’ll see on future production cars, and like many lights these days, they flash an animation at you as you approach the car. The four-seat interior is meant to look sporty and clean. Plus, it shows off the flat floor capabilities of the Ultium platform. It has an airy feel thanks to a wraparound windshield and glass roof. The seats are wrapped in fabric made from recycled water bottles. YouÂ’ll also see “GS” etched inside the cabin meant to hint that there will be electric GS models in the future. Its main display is a 30-inch 6K screen, and the car features 5G connectivity for the speediest-possible connection to the internet. Super Cruise in its most advanced, current form is also onboard, which is great to see for the Buick brand. Related video: