This most recent recall only affects certain 2006 and 2007 model year vehicles, the automaker says.

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The automaker says that the driver door could be corroded by liquids, cause a short circuit and power door locks and window switches could malfunction.

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He has put in 28 years at the automaker but says he will quit rather than accept an expected transfer to another plant that would be a two-and-a-half hour commute from his home.

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As for direction at the world's largest automaker, Dunne says he has heard good things about the leadership style of Toyota's president and CEO that aims to foster innovation.

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And if the automaker had a seventh model in its lineup, he says, then a seven-year lifecycle for each vehicle would work perfectly.

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Geoff Day, head of communications for Mercedes-Benz USA, says the SLS AMG E-Cell uses lithium-battery technology currently unequaled in any other automaker, especially in terms of charging times and resiliance.

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But, ironically, the Japanese automaker would never consider outsourcing a quality-sensitive operation like a body shop or paint shop, says Jeffrey Liker, a University of Michigan engineering professor and author of The Toyota Way.

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