Going to War Over Fuel Economy, Chrysler Gives in on Jeep Transmissions

DETROIT, Feb. 19 -- Federal fuel economy standards haven't seen an increase in well over a decade, but with growing concerns about imported oil, as well as CO2 greenhouse gas emissions, Washington lawmakers are looking at new proposals that could force sharp increases in the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard.

Detroit's automakers have mounted a huge and expensive campaign to derail the CAFE proposals -- which they fear could drive them out of the light truck market while giving a competitive advantage to their import rivals. What's the debate mean for the auto industry -- and for consumers? TheCarConnection.com has the complete story in this week's issue.

Is it a sports car or a sport-ute? Porsche's eagerly-awaited Cayenne claims to be a bit of both. Readers can decide for themselves with spy shots exclusively on TCC.

This week's reviews cover the gamut from the lavish off-roader, Infiniti's new QX4, to the comfortably affordable Hyundai Sonata.

In business news, Jeep is calling back 1.5 million Grand Cherokee SUVs. Though the automaker still insists there's no defect, it has agreed to make changes designed to prevent the sport-utes from suddenly slipping into reverse, a problem government regulators claim has led to hundreds of accidents and at least five deaths. TheCarConnection also takes a look at General Motors' plan to cut production at its Linden Assembly plant. Coming in the wake of Ford's decision to close its own NJ car plant, does this spell the end of auto assembly in the Northeast? TCC has some answers.

TCC takes a look this week at the tailspin in British motor sports. And this week's tip offers must-know advice on how to prevent a carjacking. Tech Talk has the inside skinny on tomorrow's hot technology: direct injection. And this week's WJR Auto Report looks at the future of Mercury.

For your complete daily dose of the latest breaking news, check out Daily Edition. You'll find it on TheCarConnection.com every weekday morning. Or have it delivered directly to your personal e-mail box for FREE!

Check out this week's edition of our On-Site Mechanic for service tips from resident gearhead, Bob Weber.

Don't begin your daily commute without checking TCC's real-time traffic advisories. You'll find Kelley Blue Book pricing, and more ... all on the Web's Automotive Authority, www.TheCarConnection.com.

Web users also can access TheCarConnection through the PR Newswire site www.prnewswire.com .