CHICAGO – Honda Motor on Thursday announced that it is recalling 52,615 Acura TL sedans from model years 2007 and 2008 in the United States on concern of a problem with the power steering hose.

The Japanese automaker said the hose may deteriorate and leak over time. Leaking fluid could lead to a loss of power steering assistance or could cause smoke and fire.

However, no crashes, injuries or fires have been reported related to the issue, said Honda.

The company said owners will be notified of the recall by mail, beginning in mid-June.

Honda recalled 273,000 TLs in 2008 for a similar problem. (Xinhua)

Japan’s biggest automaker Toyota said Wednesday production at its three Thailand plants would be halted until at least Saturday due to the impact on suppliers of the country’s worst flooding in decades.

While floods have not directly impacted its Samrong, Gateway and Ban Pho plants, Toyota said: “Some suppliers are experiencing delays in supplying parts.”

Operations at the three plants have been halted since Monday and Toyota said the suspension would continue through Saturday’s morning shift, when the company would take a decision on whether to resume.

A Toyota spokeswoman told AFP that annual production capacity at the three plants totals 650,000 units. In 2010, the plants produced 630,000 units.

“We still cannot say how many units will be affected by the latest production halt, as it is yet to be clear how long the move will last,” she said.

Toyota shares were 0.34 percent lower in Tokyo trade on Tuesday.

Massive floods have left hundreds dead across Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, as authorities step up efforts to reach victims of the unusually heavy monsoon rains.

In Thailand the floods have damaged the homes or livelihoods of millions of people, particularly farmers, across about three quarters of the country’s provinces.

In its ancient capital Ayutthaya, about 80 kilometres (50 miles) upriver of Bangkok, historic temples have been swamped and a large industrial estate, home to several Japanese electronics and auto parts makers including car giant Honda, has been flooded. (AFP)

TOKYO (AP) — Honda has developed a new fuel-efficient motorcycle engine that will be showcased in a scooter that goes on sale globally next year.

Honda Motor Co. said Monday that the new engine for 125-cc scooters is 25 percent more fuel efficient than similar conventional ones.

Honda says it targets people who use scooters to commute to work not only in Japan but also in Southeast Asia and other nations.

Honda has a strong motorcycle division that has helped drive growth and profits during tough times for automakers. Rival Japanese automakers including Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. don’t have such businesses.

BEIJING (Xinhua) — Dongfeng Honda Automobile Co. and Guangqi Honda Automobile Co. will recall 255,766 vehicles to repair problems with power window switches, the country’s quality watchdog said Monday.

The recall involved 145,542 Fit compacts, 81,547 City sedans and 28,677 CR-V multi-purpose vehicles as of September 15, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a statement on its website.

The autos were produced between August 2005 to December 2007, the statement said.

The two companies will offer free replacement of power window switches to eliminate risks, it said.

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Essex Racing Limited has announced that it has adjusted its prices for full body kits online. Essex Racing is the UK’s number one importer and retailer of body kits for a wide variety of cars including Ford, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Honda, Renault, Audi and other popular automotive manufacturers.

All of Essex Racing’s body kits are manufactured to the very highest standards in Europe. They come ready for preparation and painting. Body kits add style to vehicles, producing a focus on the curves and shape of the vehicle the kit is fitted to.

General manager, Keith Johnson states, “We believe we have the most comprehensive range of body kits at the most competitive prices in the UK.”

Customers may purchase securely online. Trade accounts with Essex Racing can also be opened upon request and review.