One in Twelve Cars Recalled Last Year.

Reports the number of vehicles being recalled by automobile manufacturers is increasing. Statistics indicating an increase of vehicle recalls in 2003 and since 1993, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Factors leading to the increase in the number of recalls, which automobile manufacturers say are not related to quality standards; View of industry critics that the data point to manufacturers trying to cut costs and speed development; Comments from David Champion, director of Consumer Union's auto-testing center, regarding the recall increase; Types of cars being recalled, suggesting the problems cut across all classes of vehicles.