The latest industry news from Michael McAleer.
BMW HITS THE BRAKES: Some 164,000 BMW X5 sports utility vehicles are being recalled worldwide due to a potential brake hose fault. The recall may affect 50 X5s in Ireland and involves cars built between August 1999 and April 2002.
According to a spokesperson, there is a risk the brake hose can be worn down under cornering, leading to damage and loss of fluid. The recall is expected to cost BMW up to €5 million. Irish dealers have been informed and will be contacting owners in the coming weeks. BMW is quick to point out that it's not an urgent recall and the marque worldwide is not aware of any accidents linked to the fault.
GETTING TOUGHER: Misaligned headlights, illegible registration plates and faulty windscreen wipers are set to join the ever-growing list of items for which a car can fail the NCT. From June 1st these faults, along with slipping clutches and faulty doorlocks among others, will bring forth the full wrath of the inspectors, with a full refusal and retest required.
At present they merely receive an "advisory failure", not requiring a re-test.
BOARD CHANGES: DaimlerChrysler has increased the number of Germans on its management board. The changes will leave just one American on the 11-strong board five years after the merger.
NEW FROM MITSUBISHI: This is Mitsubishi's successor to the ageing Space Wagon. It's to be called the Grandis when it goes on sale in Japan this summer. The styling carries on Mitsubishi's new design identity seen recently in its new Colt.
WEATHER WEB: Drivers can now identify hazardous conditions before leaving home thanks to a new website launched by the National Roads Authority (NRA). The site carries information on road conditions based on readings from the NRA's 52 weather monitoring stations and road sensors. The site updates every 15 minutes. It's at www.nra.ie/RoadWeatherInfo/
MG SAFETY: The MG TF has become only the second vehicle to achieve three stars for pedestrian protection in the European Euro NCAP crash test programme. The Skoda Superb became only the second to score zero in the same category.
BIKER HEAVEN: Motorcyclists who dice with death in Dublin traffic can now direct their prayers to their very own patron saint, St Columbanus, endorsed by the Vatican.