WASHINGTON — GM is recalling 44,451 2008 Saturn Vue vehicles because the doors may not latch when closed, which “could result in an unbelted occupant falling out of the vehicle,” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In its recalls summary of the problem, NHTSA says that if an unbelted occupant falls out of the vehicle, it could cause “increased risk of injury.”

The recall involves Vue vehicles with body-color outside door handles. Saturn dealers will replace the outside door handles with chrome door handles for free. The recall is expected to begin on or before Aug. 18. Owners may contact Saturn at 800-972-8876.

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[Source: Edmunds Inside Line, Read Entire Story]

From Jorge Chapa, Inhabitat. Ohio State University recently took top honors in the 2009 EcoCAR Competition, which challenged students across the US and Canada to redesign a standard Saturn VUE into an ultra-efficient vehicle. Their winning EcoCAR utilizes a lithium battery and an ethanol-fueled engine to achieve an incredible 300% increase in fuel efficiency over its standard model counterpart! The vehicle took plenty of man hours, good design and well-honed math skills, but the end result proves that future-forward vehicles can be built with the technology of today.

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[Source: Inhabitat, Read Entire Story]