One of the many things that caught my eye in the news was the Toyota recall on 2.1 million cars. Toyota has been facing a lot of damage from the press and customers of owned and recalled cars. Sticky accelerator, pedals, and troubled floor-mats, which can cause the accelerator to stay in the depressed position, is making it hard for Toyota to re-gain their once five-star-rated automobiles. The problem with the pedal involves a friction device that adds resistance trying to make the pedal more stable. Parts of this device have begun to stick. Toyotas solution is a steel reinforcement bar that will eliminate overabundant friction. Documented cases of sudden acceleration with Toyota cars reach 2,262. Of that number 815 caused crashes, 341 people where injured, and 19 deaths where reported since 1999. Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota’s U.S. sales, was first to speak to customers in a video post on the company’s Web site. Lentz claims Toyota is not “dragging its feet” after many complaints about these accelerators. He later went on NBC’s “Today” show trying to assure worried customers. Akio Toyoda, Toyotas chief executive, has made statements addressing the issue, but Lentz statements where the first apologies aimed at U.S. audiences. Toyota tarnished reputation will hopeful pass in time and make big car companies re-think safety automotive regulation. Lentz believes when the two problems of the floor-mat and accelerator pedals are fixed, “things will be under control”.
Source: The Washington Post, Page A13: Economy & Business, February 2, 2010, Author of article: Peter Whoriskey.
This recall is crazy! I have a 2007 Toyota Camry and I took my car in to the dealer as soon as the 1st recall happened. I then had to take it back in again after the 2nd recall. Luckily, no problems, but still it made me worried about driving my car after all the stories about accidents came out.
When I first heard this story, I was glad I don’t have a Toyota. Back in 2007 when I was buying my car, I thought about getting a Toyota, but went with a Hyundai. One thing I have found funny about this situation is people mocking Toyota’s slogan of “moving you forward,” and changing it to “moving you forward, even when you don’t want to.”