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"Chrysler Recalls 2.7 Million Cars    Chrysler says in a news release that it will recall several brands of older model vehicles to repair or replace the floor-mounted shifter assembly and, in a separate action, a small number of 2004 vehicles to replace a throttle cable.   The vehicles affected by the shifter recall include: 1995-1999 Chrysler Cirrus, Dodge Stratus, Plymouth Breeze; 1996-1999 ; and 1993-1999 Chrysler 300M, Chrysler Concorde, Chrysler LHS, Dodge Intrepid and Eagle Vision.   Chrysler said that its investigation showed that this issue is likely to be present in only 10 percent of the affected population of 2.7 million, and would be most prevalent in vehicles which have had multiple drivers, such as those in rental or commercial fleets. As a precautionary measure, the company says it will install stronger components to better withstand abusive force.   Chrysler said that an extensive internal investigation determined that when the floor-mounted shifter button is depressed and pulled with excessive force with the key out of the ignition, it can cause the ignition-park interlock system to become inoperative. It has no other effect on the operation of the vehicle.   Chrysler Group reminds owners to always ensure that the shifter is in the &amp;quot;park&amp;quot; position and to engage the parking brake before exiting their vehicles to help keep the vehicle from moving \u2014 as recommended in the owner&amp;#039;s manual.   In the other recall, Chrysler says it has determined that the throttle cable on 2004 Dodge Durango vehicles equipped with 3.7- and 4.7-liter engines could potentially ingest water and freeze during extended cold temperatures. As a precautionary measure, the 5,000 customers affected by this issue will receive free of charge a cable that provides improved sealing capability.   New Year Brings Higher Gas Prices   Cold weather and higher prices for crude oil are pushing gasoline prices to their highest level ever recorded in the month of January, according to AAA.   The nationwide average price of self-serve regular gasoline is up 8.7 cents per gallon since the middle of last month to $1.561 per gallon. This is the highest average nationwide gasoline price since Oct. 23 of last year, when the price was 1.562 per gallon. It is also the highest average price ever recorded in the month of January by AAA. The current average price is 9 cents per gallon higher than in mid-January of last year when the price was $1.471.   Very cold weather across most of the United States also is pushing gasoline prices higher. Refineries tend to emphasize the production of fuels needed to generate electricity and heat homes when the weather turns very cold, and this often decreases the available inventory of gasoline.   AAA&amp;#039;s Fuel Gauge Report is based on data from the Oil Price Information Service, the nation&amp;#039;s most comprehensive source of petroleum pricing information, AAA said in a press release.   A Truck the Easy Way   Subaru is having a version of its sedan classified as a truck because of its four-wheel drive capability and other modifications, The Associated Press reported.   By changing its classification, the resulting vehicle faces less stringent fuel and emissions standards than a car, the story said.   A Subaru spokesman said that the changes for the 2005 model are in response to feedback from Outback owners who requested truck features such as higher ground clearance and tinted side-rear windows.   Federal fuel economy and emissions regulations divide vehicle fleets into two categories \u2014 cars and light trucks. A car fleet must have an average fuel economy of 27.5 miles per gallon for the 2005 model year, while trucks must average 21 miles. By pushing a borderline vehicle into the truck fleet, a company gains more flexibility for that vehicle and can also boost its truck-fleet average, the story said. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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