Monthly Archive for February, 2010

Page 2 of 9

Toyota expands application of Brake Override system

Published on February 23, 2010 in Recalls. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , .

A while back, I wrote that Toyota was installing a “brake override” system on its cars.  As it turns out, they’ve also begun adding the system to recalled cars as well as ones in its sales pipeline.  Today, Toyota announced that it would be expanding the lineup of cars receiving the override, to include the Tacoma, Venza and Sequoia.  While the former two are getting the fix when they show up for any of the recalls, Sequoia owners will be sent a letter and will be allowed to schedule a time to get the brake override installed.  Previously, only the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Lexus IS and ES cars were receiving the override system upgrade.  The brake override system ignores gas pedal input when the brakes are pressed, in order to help prevent runaway cars.

by John Suit

Source: Toyota

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ABC News tests Toyota, finds a reason for runaways

Published on February 23, 2010 in Recalls. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

So, after the news that Toyota has turned over “secret” documents to the US Government, it looks like ABC News has tested a Toyota Avalon and found what could be a reason for the unintended acceleration.  They’ve found that an electrical problem is causing a surge of engine power, letting the car become a runaway.  Follow the jump for video and more explanation.

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Toyota Exec coming to the US for Congressional Hearings

Published on February 19, 2010 in Industry Update. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

Edolphus Towns and Akio Toyoda

In an audacious move, Toyota president Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder of Toyota Motor Company, said he would only come to the February 24th Congressional hearings (“Toyota Gas Pedals: Is the Public At Risk?”) if he were formally invited.  He had planned on sending Yoshimi Inaba, the head of North American Toyota operations.

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IIHS Top Safety Pick: 2011 Sonata

Published on February 19, 2010 in Hot Car - Upcoming. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

We’ve reported on the 2011 Hyundai Sonata before, but now the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given one of its coveted “Top Safety Pick” awards to the new model.  The IIHS only gives Top Safety Picks to those cars which include Electronic Stability Control and garner  “good” scores in all front, side and rear crash tests.  With its new look and engines, and now this award, the Sonata looks like it’ll be a great seller for Hyundai in 2010.  Note that this is also the first Sonata to receive the Top Safety Pick award.

by John Suit

Source: IIHS

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Update: Tesla plane crash details

Published on February 19, 2010 in Manufacturer Update. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

The details are coming in regarding the airplane crash which occured on Wednesday, involving 3 Tesla Motors employees.  It now turns out that 56 year old engineer Doug Bourn was piloting his plane when it crashed.  His passengers were Andrew Ingram, 31, and Brian M. Finn, 42, both of Palo Alto.  Instead of the foggy conditions that were suspected, the San Jose Mercury News is reporting that it was probably a mechanical failure.  Click past the jump for a video from the Contra Costa Times.

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2010 New York Auto Show: New Sonata Turbo and Hybrid will be there

Published on February 17, 2010 in Hot Car - Upcoming and Manufacturer Update. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , .

After a banner year in 2009, where most companies lost money, Hyundai posted profits towards the end, sponsored the Super Bowl kickoff show a couple weeks back, aired some commercials during the game, and is releasing plenty of new vehicles this year.  Arguably one of the most popular is the Sonata, which promises reliability, fuel efficiency and affordability, all good things in today’s economy.  Via Twitter, Hyundai has announced that it will be revealing the 2011 Sonata Turbo and Hybrid models at the New York Auto Show in April.  This adds to earlier news that the new Sonata wouldn’t be available with a V6 engine.

by John Suit

Source: Twitter

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