Ford Explorer Faces New Problems; Speeding Excuses Contest Winners, Shaking Things up at GM; Sales Slide but Confidence Builds; and TheCarConnection Tests Drives the All-New Ram, Nissan's Updated Altima and Lexus' ES300

    DETROIT, Aug. 6 As if tire troubles aren't enough, Ford's
got new headaches with its best-selling Explorer as federal safety regulators
open an investigation into problems linked to at least 11 deaths.  Worse, the
latest probe involves the all-new '02 Explorer.  In an exclusive report,
TheCarConnection.com looks at whether this is a real safety defect -- or much
ado about nothing.
    Wonder what to say when a cop asks "Where's the fire?"  Take some tips
from TCC readers.  Check out the winners of the Second Annual Speeders Excuses
Contest.  Bet there are a few lines here that might save you a ticket.
    Subscribers to TheCarConnection's FREE all-new industry newsletter, the
Daily Edition, got first word on General Motors' big coup, the hiring of
consummate "car guy," Bob Lutz.  This week's issue of TCC explores the Lutz
legend -- and asks what the 69-year-old former Marine fighter pilot can do to
revive the General's reputation for building great cars.
    In today's competitive market, you better have the best product.  And this
week's reviews look at three vehicles likely to heat up the market in the
coming months.  Take a test drive with TheCarConnection in the all-new Nissan
Altima.  Go truckin' in the latest incarnation of the Dodge Ram.  Then see if
Lexus has the next new thing with the reborn ES300.
    And don't miss TCC's spy shots of the next-generation Toyota Camry.
    Want to polish up your driving technique.  We've got the perfect teacher,
racing legend and driving instructor Bob Bondurant weighs in on Summer skills.
Another legend of the motor world, Denise McCluggage, is back with some tips
to learning your car's secrets.
    In other business news: TheCarConnection weighs in on the new National
Academy of Science report commissioned by President Bush.  Will Congress
follow NAS recommendations and increase federal mileage standards by up to
47%?  TCC has an update on GM's efforts to sell its Hughes/DirecTV subsidiary.
And see what the latest monthly auto sales numbers mean.
    Every week, TheCarConnection will help you find the best deals in new and
used vehicles.  And check out TCC's Video Library, where you can watch your
favorite cars and trucks in action.
    You'll find Kelley Blue Book pricing, service tips from resident gearhead
Bob Weber, and more ... all on the Web's Automotive Authority,
http://www.TheCarConnection.com .
    Web users also can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire
site http://www.prnewswire.com .

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