Owners of 2006-08 Chevrolet HHRs should bust out their screw drivers because General Motors will be issuing a recall for deficient instrument panel storage bin latches. The weak latch does not meet federal safety compliance test standards, as it allows the dash bin door to swing open under specific crash conditions. The NHTSA was none too pleased with the possibility of passenger injury from insecure objects. Storage bin latch reinforcement kits will be sent to HHR owners at the General's expense. Recipients will have the option of performing the modification on their own or taking it into a dealership for the necessary repair. Notices will begin flowing once sufficient parts are available, which should be by November.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req'd]

Dr. Copenhaver and Dr. Trout, dentists in Richmond Hill, GA, feel blessed to have such a wonderful staff and look forward to doing something special for them each year during the holiday season. This year they gave their employees something more than just a teeth whitening to brighten their smile.

After what seemed to be just another great luncheon at the Ford Plantation in celebration of the holiday season, the nine employees of their dental practice got a little more that they expected after dessert. The employees were always anxious at the party, as the dentists try to "do something big" for them each year; but this is about as big as it gets. Instead of the usual array of cakes and pie, they were served with a tray of keys.

Each set started one of the 9 new Chevy HHR's, adorned with the dental office logo, in the parking lot. They were escorted outside and presented with their new cars for Christmas. Not a bad deal for everyone involved. The employees get a fantastic gift for Christmas and the dentists get to take the write-off for advertising. Everyone comes out a winner.

[Source: WTOC tv via GM Inside News]

Add $200 to the price of a Chevy HHR and you can get yourself a modern-day two-seater panel wagon. Chevrolet says pricing for the Panel will begin at $16,750 "for a well-equipped LS model." The LS has the 2.2L 149hp engine. While the official press release claims the HHR Panel is rated at "30 mph in highway driving" we seriously hope they mean 30 mpg in highway driving. It'll also be available in an LT version which has the 2.4L 175hp engine, also rated at 30 mpg. No official word on LT pricing, though Velocity Journal says it will come in just over $17,500 with the no-option LS costing just $15,800.

With no rear seats to get in the way, the flat panel floor will accept more than 57 cubic feet of stuff, while an under-floor storage area takes five cubic feet more. Tie-downs are available, of course, to keep those cubic feet of cargo from sliding around.

At those prices, Chevy will definitely sell a few Panels, though the versatility of a two-seater wagon to most folks is questionable. We can, however, see this being the stylishly economic choice of large and small businesses alike. And we certainly can't wait to see what the customizers can do with it.

Read GM's full press release after the jump.

[Source: GM, Velocity Journal]

More details on Kia's new Carens have surfaced, now that the mini MPV has debuted in Madrid. The five-to-seven seater is widely expected to show up in U.S. dealers as the 'Rondo' where it will mix it up with everything from the Mazda 5 to Chevrolet HHR and Toyota Matrix.

A marked improvement in the visuals over the previous iteration will help the Carens case, as will the fact that it's bigger in virtually every dimension: length, width and height. For the Europeans, at least, a 142 brake horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine will be available paired with a five-speed manual, along with a turbodiesel of identical displacement latched to a six-speeder. A four-speed slushbox will be available with either transmission. U.S. consumers can dream, but if the Carens crosses the pond, we imagine expecting the derv-burner would be a stretch.

The Carens is expected to base at around £12,000 ($22,300 USD).

A U.S. on-sale date has not been announced, but the model is slated to hit UK dealers this August.

[Sources: Reuters; Kia]