Mercedes recalls 1.3 million cars (BBC News)

(Mercedes Recalls 1.3 Million Cars to fix minor problems, in contrast FORD/Firestone has to be forced by the U.S. Congress to do the same, but only after Hundreds of Americans have died due to "defects." Could this be why Mercedes has a higher "brand loyalty" than Chevrolet?)

Mercedes recalls 1.3 million cars

German luxury carmaker Mercedes has recalled 1.3m vehicles as part of what it says is a bid to improve quality.

Thursday, 31 March, 2005, 20:59 GMT 21:59 UK

Analysts said the move is likely to cost many millions of euros, and the firm already has warned that efforts to improve its product would hit profits. The company will look to fix problems with batteries, alternators and brakes on a number of models made since 2001. A slump in profitability at Mercedes has been acting as a drag on earnings at US-German parent DaimlerChrysler.

Easy fixes?

Mercedes will check and fix problems with batteries and alternators on six- and eight-cylinder petrol engines built between June 2001 and November 2004. On E-class and CLS-class models built between January 2002 and January 2005, computer software will be installed to control the battery. Mercedes also will update the braking system on E, SL and CLS-class vehicles made since June 2001.

The company has had a bumpy ride in recent quarters. Mercedes's profit slid to 20m euros (£14m; $26m) in the last three months of 2004 as it faces strong competition from rivals such as BMW. A drop in the value of the US dollar also cut its earnings, as did the cost of launching new models and losses from its Mercedes Smart mini-car range. It hopes to revive its fortunes by 2006.

<http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/4398901.stm>

in the united states up grading their chrysler plants. here in northern illinois they are spending close to a half billion in rebuilding and new building...hey those euro`s buy alot here in the usa....

:kick:

the a604 transmission.:mad:

Jay