New recalls hit 2.7 million GM vehicles, from Corvettes to Saturns

General Motors is recalling 2.7 million U.S. cars and trucks for problems ranging from flawed taillamps and windshield wipers to brake problems, in an escalation of the safety crisis that has enveloped the company for months. GM said today it expects to book up to $200 million in charges in the second quarter to cover the cost of recalls during the period.

Mercedes Electric Drive B-Class at Paris 2012

Mercedes has revealed an electric version of the new B-Class – the B-Class Electric Drive Concept – which will debut at Paris 2012. Mercedes has revealed the electric B-Class in the guise of the B-Class Electric Drive Concept – a name Mercedes say will find its way on to the boot of all electric Mercedes, Smart and Tesla cars – which previews a production version by 2014. Powering the B-Class Electric Drive is the Smart electric Drive powerplant, located in the space normally taken up by the ICE, which offers 134bhp and a healthy 228lb/ft of torque with the batteries to power the electric motor housed in what Mercedes are calling the B-Class’s Energy space ahead of the rear axle.

Toyota Tundra possible recall for frame corrosion on 2000-2001 pick-ups

Toyota may be faced with another recall a week after its largest U.S. recall in company history. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Tuesday said it would investigate frame corrosion on 2000 and 2001 model year Tundra pickups.