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2-second video causes headache for ABC News
NEW YORK (by DAVID BAUDER, AP Television Writer)- For the want of a better two-second picture of a tachometer, ABC
News has called into question its reporting on acceleration problems with Toyota
vehicles.
The network's handling of a Feb. 22 "World News" story about potential problems with computer systems in Toyotas has created ethical questions and intensified bitter feelings the besieged automaker already had toward ABC.
ABC has admitted to a misjudgment and swapped out the brief dashboard video in its report, which continues to be available online. Its story illustrated a report by David Gilbert, a Southern Illinois University professor who suggested that a design flaw in Toyotas might leave a short-circuit that could cause sudden acceleration undetected by the car's computer system.
Correspondent Brian Ross' "World News" report showed him driving a Toyota with Gilbert that was rigged to quickly accelerate. Even though he knew it was coming, Ross said the incident left him shaken, and he had a hard time getting the car to come to a stop.
Briefly during the drive, ABC cut to a picture of a tachometer with the needle zooming forward. The impression was that the tachometer was documenting the ride Ross was taking. Instead, that picture was taken from a separate instance where a short-circuit was induced in a parked car.
ABC said that editing was done because it was impossible to get a good picture of the tachometer while the car was moving because the camera was shaking. The camera shot was steady when it was taken in a parked car.
"The tachometer showed the same thing every time," said ABC News spokeswoman Emily Lenzner.
Toyota spokesman John Hanson disputes that, saying tachometers react much more dramatically when short-circuits happen in a parked car than a car that is moving. Tachometers measure engine speed.
It all points to problems that are created when visual journalists try to alter reality in order to get a better picture.
"Anytime you give the audience any reason to doubt the honesty of the piece, that's a serious problem," said Charlotte Grimes, a Syracuse University journalism professor who specializes in ethical issues.
"Do they honestly think that a company like Toyota, with all the resources that it has, would not be looking at these things?" Grimes asked.
Toyota recognized the differences right away: the shot showed the car's speedometer was at zero, the parking brake was on and no one was using the seat belts - while Ross wore one on the test drive, Hanson said. Online discussion of the differences began almost immediately, and the Web site Gawker.com wrote about it last week.
ABC edited the online version of its story shortly after that story appeared and wrote a note on its Web site explaining why.
"This was a misjudgment made in the editing room," Lenzner said. "They should have left the shaky shot in. But I want to make clear that the two-second shot that was used did not change the outcome of the report in any way."
The inserted tachometer shot still didn't specifically illustrate Ross' ride. It was from another ride made in order to create different camera angles. A camera person could not have captured the tachometer shot with Ross and Gilbert both in the car, Lenzner said.
Toyota's Hanson said it was next to impossible for the short circuit detailed by Gilbert to happen in real life. The automaker, which had to recall many of its cars because of problems associated with a depressed gas pedal, held a news conference on Monday to try and refute Gilbert's study. It depicted similar short circuits in other cars, none of which were detected by the vehicles' computer system.
Gilbert did not return phone or e-mail messages for comment, and a woman who answered the phone at his home said he was unavailable.
Hanson said he wished Toyota could have been invited to see the simulation conducted by ABC. "Simulation" is a word that brings back tough memories for TV networks: NBC's news president lost his job in 1993 after it was revealed that for a "Dateline NBC" study about alleged safety problems with General Motors trucks, the network rigged a truck with small explosives for a story. Lenzner said it was ridiculous to compare a two-second tachometer shot to the NBC case.
She said Toyota was given a chance to comment on the story the day it was aired.
"It was not like ABC was trying to alter the footage," she said. "There was
no staging. There was no dramatization. It was an editing mistake."
Comprehensive Analysis Raises Concerns About Gilbert Congressional Testimony, ABC News Segment
TORRANCE, Calif., March 8, 2010 -- Today, during a live webcast, Toyota raised serious concerns about the validity, methodology and credibility of a demonstration of alleged "unintended acceleration" in a Toyota Avalon by Professor David Gilbert of Southern Illinois University and depicted in ABC News broadcasts and on-line segments.
A comprehensive analysis conducted by a world renowned engineering group,
as well as testing by Toyota, has concluded the following about Professor
Gilbert's demonstration:
- The vehicle's electronics were rewired and reengineered in multiple ways,
in a specific sequence, and under conditions that are virtually impossible to
occur in real-world conditions without visible evidence
- Toyota vehicle electronic systems were actively manipulated to mimic a valid full-throttle condition
- Substantially similar results were successfully created in vehicles made by other manufacturers.
- Toyota vehicle electronic systems were actively manipulated to mimic a valid full-throttle condition
- Substantially similar results were successfully created in vehicles made by other manufacturers.
In the demonstration dramatized by ABC on February 22, Professor Gilbert,
assisted by segment reporter Brian Ross, asserted that he had detected a
"dangerous" flaw in the Toyota electronic control system that he alleged could
lead to unintended acceleration.
The following day, Professor Gilbert offered a preliminary report of his
findings in testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce
Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.
Engineers at Exponent, one of the country's leading engineering and
scientific consulting firms, as well as Toyota engineers, have reviewed and
recreated Gilbert's demonstration with substantially similar results in
representative vehicles of other makes.
Separately, at Toyota's request, Dr. J. Christian Gerdes, associate
professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University and the director of
the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS), conducted an independent
review of Professor Gilbert's testimony and the preliminary report presented to
Congress.
Their findings were demonstrated today at a news conference during which
the accelerator circuitry of a Toyota Avalon, as well as a sampling of
well-regarded and popular competitive makes, was rewired and manipulated as
Gilbert did in his demonstration.
Kristen Tabar, general manager of electronics systems, Toyota Technical
Center, summarizes three of the major concerns with the artificial nature of
Professor Gilbert's demonstration.
"First, an electrical circuit that has been reengineered and rewired will
not behave as it was originally designed and engineered," said Tabar.
"Second, no automaker can or should be expected to design detection
strategies for artificially created events in the absence of any evidence that
such an event can occur in the real world.
"Third, if the artificial condition created by Professor Gilbert had
occurred in the real world, it would have left readily detectable
fingerprints."
Exponent and Toyota engineers have found no evidence to suggest that any of
the steps of Professor Gilbert's demonstration exists in the real world. Thus,
the fact that the Toyota Avalon used by Professor Gilbert did not show a
Diagnostic Trouble Code after his demonstration does not indicate an
undetectable safety defect. The same is true of the representative vehicles of
other manufacturers tested by Exponent and Toyota.
Professor Gilbert's reengineering and rewiring of the vehicle's electrical
system involves the following manipulations in a specific sequence. First, the
protective insulation on two separate wires that carry the accelerator pedal
position signals to the Engine Control Module must be individually cut or
breached. Next, these wires are connected to each other through a 200 Ohm
resistor.
This contrivance, by itself, did not cause an increase in engine speed. To
cause an increase in engine speed, it is necessary to cut the insulation on a
third wire, the 5-volt power supply to the accelerator pedal, and force a low
resistance connection between the power supply and the secondary signal
wire.
The resulting increase in engine speed is a result of the subsequent
artificial and sudden application of the 5-volt power supply to this signal line
with the rewired circuit. When subjected to similar unrealistic reengineering
and rewiring, the competitive vehicles evaluated by Exponent and Toyota achieved
substantially similar results with varying levels of resistances.
This manipulation of electrical components and a power source created
artificial voltages that the engine control module, or ECM, would interpret as
valid accelerator pedal signals. In essence, this test created a virtual,
remote control accelerator pedal that replicated the vehicle's own normally
functioning accelerator pedal.
Also contrary to statements made in the ABC News story, had short circuits
of the kind artificially created by Professor Gilbert occurred in real-world
driving conditions, they would have left visible evidence such as damage or
deterioration of the wiring and components.
As revealed in their testimony before Congress, Professor Gilbert's
Preliminary Report was commissioned by Sean Kane, a paid advocate for trial
lawyers involved in litigation against Toyota and other automakers. Mr. Kane
also appeared on the ABC News broadcast in support of the claim that Professor
Gilbert's demonstration revealed a flaw in the electronic throttle control
system that could lead to "runaway" Toyota and Lexus vehicles. The relationship
between Mr. Kane, Professor Gilbert and the trial lawyers who support Mr. Kane's
advocacy was not revealed by ABC News during the newscast, nor was Toyota
offered an opportunity to view the demonstration or given time to
respond.
Toyota believes that the public and Congressional committees have been
misled by Professor Gilbert's demonstration and the dramatization of it by ABC
News. This has cast unwarranted doubt on the safety of Toyota and Lexus
vehicles. Toyota remains confident in the integrity of the electronic throttle
control system in its vehicles and there has been no reliable evidence of any
kind to the contrary presented to the media or to Congress. Toyota's electronic
systems have multiple fail-safe mechanisms to shut off or reduce engine power in
the event of a system failure. Extensive testing of this system by Toyota has
not found any sign of a malfunction that could lead to unintended
acceleration.
Toyota has commissioned Exponent to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the
electronic throttle control systems in Toyota and Lexus vehicles. No
limitations of any kind were imposed on Exponent by Toyota. This evaluation is
ongoing. An interim report of Exponent's findings has been provided to Congress
and establishes the functionality of the electronic throttle control fail-safe
systems. The final results of Exponent's exhaustive analysis will be made
public when completed. As with all such reliable engineering analyses,
Exponent's final results will provide the data and information necessary for
others to validate Exponent's conclusions.
# # #
Exponent, Inc. is a leading engineering and scientific consulting firm with
expertise in over 90 technical disciplines. Exponent has a full-time staff of
over 900 located in 23 international offices. Exponent's multidisciplinary
organization of engineers, scientists, physicians and business consultants,
addresses complicated issues facing industry and government today. The firm's
consultants provide product design analysis, development, and testing; analyze
failures and accidents to determine their cause and prevent their recurrence;
and evaluate environmental and human health concerns to find cost-effective
solutions. Exponent is certified to ISO 9001 and is authorized by the General
Services Administration (GSA) to provide professional engineering services.
Clarification of Testimony Regarding Effectiveness of Recalls
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. (February 26th, 2010)- Contrary to some press reports, Jim Lentz's testimony to Congress did not reflect a change in Toyota's position regarding whether its recalls effectively address unintended acceleration issues in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
As Mr. Lentz said in his opening statement, Toyota has rigorously tested
its solutions and we are confident that with these repairs, Toyota vehicles will
be among the safest on the road today. Further, we are confident that no
problems exist with the electronic throttle control system in our vehicles. We
have designed our electronic system with multiple fail-safe mechanisms to shut
off or reduce engine power in the event of a system failure. We have done
extensive testing of this system and have never found a malfunction that has
caused unintended acceleration.
Still, as Mr. Lentz pointed out in his response to questioning, Toyota is
being vigilant in addressing consumer complaints and will not ignore any other
possible contributing factors to unintended acceleration. Instances of
unintended acceleration can be caused by many factors and they are not all
sudden or sustained. The category is very broad, affects all major automakers,
and can include issues involving cruise control, air conditioning, transmission
surges and pedal misapplication. It is in this context that Mr. Lentz stated
that Toyota's recalls will "not totally" address the issue.
Toyota Recalls Put into Context by Edmunds.com
SANTA MONICA, Calif. - February 10, 2010 - Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, has obtained and reviewed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaint database. A key finding: despite being the subject of intense scrutiny of the company, Toyota ranks 17th among automakers in the overall number of complaints per vehicle sold.
According to the database, which consists of complaints filed by individuals and is not checked for accuracy by NHTSA, Toyota was the subject of 9.1 percent of the complaints from 2001 through 2010 (until February 3). During this period, the company sold 13.5 percent of all new cars in the United States.
Land Rover ranks first among automakers, with 0.6 percent of the complaints compared to only 0.1 percent market share from 2001 through 2010 (until February 3).
The following chart sets forth the results for all automakers:
|
AUTOMAKER |
RANK (IN ORDER OF MOST COMPLAINTS PER MARKET SHARE) |
PERCENT OF COMPLAINTS IN NHTSA DATABASE |
PERCENT OF SALES IN US MARKET |
|
LAND ROVER |
1 |
0.6% |
0.1% |
|
AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP. |
2 |
0.9% |
0.4% |
|
ISUZU MANUFACTURING SERVICES OF AMERICA |
3 |
0.3% |
0.2% |
|
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC |
4 |
4.1% |
2.4% |
|
JAGUAR CARS LTD |
5 |
0.4% |
0.2% |
|
VOLVO CARS OF N.A. LLC. |
6 |
1.1% |
0.7% |
|
CHRYSLER LLC |
7 |
16.3% |
13.0% |
|
MAZDA NORTH AMERICAN OPERATIONS |
8 |
1.7% |
1.5% |
|
MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
9 |
1.3% |
1.2% |
|
FORD MOTOR COMPANY |
10 |
18.3% |
17.6% |
|
GENERAL MOTORS CORP. |
11 |
25.3% |
24.5% |
|
NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
12 |
5.8% |
5.9% |
|
HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY |
13 |
4.2% |
4.4% |
|
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC |
14 |
1.7% |
1.9% |
|
SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC. |
15 |
1.1% |
1.3% |
|
AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO. |
16 |
6.8% |
9.4% |
|
TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION |
17 |
9.1% |
13.5% |
|
MERCEDES-BENZ USA, LLC. |
18 |
1.0% |
1.5% |
|
PORSCHE CARS NORTH AMERICA, INC. |
19 |
0.1% |
0.2% |
|
SMART USA DISTRIBUTOR LLC |
20 |
0.0% |
0.0% |
Edmunds.com analysts also attempted to evaluate the deaths and injuries reported in the NHTSA database, but it quickly became clear that the data is unreliable. For example, one complaint indicated that 99 people had died in one vehicle as a result of an accident. It should also be noted roughly 10 percent of total complaints appear to be duplicates. Finally, this analysis did not rate the reported incidents for severity.
"No one should overlook the issues raised by the Toyota recalls, but it is important to keep things in perspective," reminded Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl. "A broader view shows that consumer complaints reflect an industry issue, not just a Toyota issue. As Toyota's experience in recent months clearly demonstrates, it is no longer an option for car companies to dismiss consumer complaints, even if the event is difficult to replicate or diagnose."
"Edmunds' CarSpace.com Forums have been a venue for driver feedback since 1996," noted Sylvia Marino, Executive Director of Community Operations. "Automakers can easily review postings to uncover issues and discuss them with the consumers who have experienced them."
Toyota Announces Voluntary Recall on 2010 Model-Year Prius and 2010 Lexus HS 250h Vehicles to Update ABS Software
TORRANCE, Calif., February 8, 2010 - Toyota Motor
Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, today announced it will conduct a voluntary safety
recall on approximately 133,000 2010 Model Year Prius vehicles and 14,500 Lexus
Division 2010 HS 250h vehicles to update software in the vehicle's anti-lock
brake system (ABS). No other Toyota, Lexus, or Scion vehicles are involved in
this recall.
The ABS, in normal operation, engages and
disengages rapidly (many times per second) as the control system senses and
reacts to tire slippage. Some 2010 model year Prius and 2010 HS 250h owners have
reported experiencing inconsistent brake feel during slow and steady application
of brakes on rough or slick road surfaces when the ABS is activated in an effort
to maintain tire traction.
Toyota has responded to owner concerns with a
running production change for 2010 Prius that was introduced last month,
improving the ABS system's response time, as well as the system's overall
sensitivity to tire slippage. The production change for the HS 250h is planned
for later this month.
"We're committed to doing everything we can - as
fast as we can - to restore consumer trust in Toyota, and these recalls are part
of this effort," said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer, Toyota
Motor Sales. "We regret the inconvenience this recall will cause to Prius and HS
250h owners, and will do our best with the support of our dealers to make sure
that it is conducted in the most trouble-free manner possible."
Mr. Lentz continued: "As part of the quality
improvement program announced by Toyota President Akio Toyoda last week, our
company is undertaking a top to bottom review to ensure that our vehicles meet
our own high standards of safety and reliability, now and for the future. We are
taking steps to implement more stringent quality control across the company, to
investigate customer complaints more aggressively and to respond more quickly to
any safety issues we identify."
The recall will allow Toyota dealers to perform
the software update on 2010 Prius vehicles sold prior to this running production
change. Only Prius vehicles produced since May 2009 and all HS 250h vehicles are
subject to this recall. First- and second-generation Prius vehicles use a
different ABS system and are not involved in this campaign.
The ABS system on the Lexus HS 250h is similar in
design to the Prius. The software adjustment planned for HS 250h production and
dealer modification is being finalized and will be announced very soon.
Toyota will begin mailing letters to Prius owners
included in this recall next week and HS 250h owners within the next few weeks,
to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a dealership. Owners will
only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in the recall.
Toyota Dealers Nationwide Have Begun Fixing Accelerator Pedals On Recalled Vehicles
TORRANCE, Calif., February 5, 2010 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., today announced that Toyota dealers nationwide have received the parts, information and training they need to fix accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles, and that repairs on involved vehicles have begun. The actual repair requires about 30 minutes of work.
The company also announced that it has begun mailing letters to owners of
recalled vehicles to let them know when to bring their vehicles into a
dealership. Owners will only receive a letter if their vehicle is involved in
the recall. Upon receipt of a notification letter, owners will be asked to
contact a local Toyota dealership to schedule an appointment to have their
vehicle fixed.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the
vehicles our customers drive, and we are determined to live up to the high
standards people have come to expect from Toyota over the past 50 years," said
Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. "Everyone at Toyota is
focused on making this recall simple and trouble-free for our customers," he
said.
"We're working hard to ensure that our dealers have the resources and
support they need to make sure our customers get their cars fixed quickly,"
Lentz added. "The parts have been shipped, the dealers are trained, and they
are already making the repairs. Many of our dealers are working extended hours
- some 24/7- and adding service technicians and other staff to complete the
recall campaign as conveniently as possible. I appreciate the efforts that our
dealers are making to take care of Toyota owners."
Toyota's engineers developed and rigorously tested a solution to address
the potential for sticking accelerator pedals that is both effective and
simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the
accelerator pedal assembly on affected vehicles, thereby eliminating the excess
friction that has caused pedals to stick in rare instances.
Toyota Dealers Going Above and Beyond to Take Care of Customers,
Rebuild Confidence and Trust
Toyota dealers across the country are taking extra steps to support
customers during this recall.
Many Toyota dealers will offer extended service hours, and some are
planning to stay open 24 hours a day until all customer vehicles have been
fixed. Others are adding greeters to their service drives, dedicating body shop
capacity to expedite repairs, providing free car washes and oil changes,
increasing owner communication and providing complimentary maintenance service,
among other customer-focused activities.
To support these efforts, Toyota is sending checks of between $7,500 and
$75,000 to its dealers in acknowledgement of the additional costs they are
assuming to make it easier for customers to have the necessary repairs done
quickly and conveniently.
Facts about the recall
TORRANCE, Calif., February 4th, 2010 - Over the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation about our sticking accelerator
pedal recall. Our message to Toyota owners is this - if you are not experiencing any issues
with your accelerator pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive. If your
accelerator pedal becomes harder to depress than normal or slower to return, please
contact your dealer without delay.
At Toyota, we take this issue very seriously, but I want to make sure our customers understand
that this situation is rare and generally doesn't occur suddenly. In the instances where it does
occur, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.
Here's the latest update on the recall:
1. We're starting to send letters this weekend to owners involved in the recall to schedule
an appointment at their dealer.
2. Dealerships have extended their hours - some of them working 24/7 - to fix your
vehicle as quickly as possible.
3. Trained technicians have begun making repairs.
We've halted production of these models this week to focus fully on fixing this problem for
the vehicles that are on the road.
Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel has
been mobilized. And we're redoubling our quality control efforts across the company.
Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. I will continue to update you with accurate and
timely information about the status of the recall in the days and weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
Jim Lentz
President and COO
Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc
Toyota Statement on Comments by Transportation Secretary La Hood
TORRANCE, Calif., February 3, 2010 - We appreciate Secretary LaHood's clarification of his remarks today about Toyota's recall for sticking accelerator pedals. We want to make sure our customers understand that this situation is rare and generally does not occur suddenly. In the rare instances where it does it occur, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.
Our message to Toyota owners is this - if you experience any issues with your accelerator pedal, please contact your dealer without delay. If you are not experiencing any issues with your pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Nothing is more important to Toyota than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive. Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel is working around the clock to fix the accelerator pedals for our customers.
Toyota Announces Comprehensive Plan to Fix Accelerator Pedals on Recalled Vehicles and Ensure Customer Safety
Rigorously Tested Reinforced Pedals Will Eliminate the Excess Friction that Caused Sticking
Toyota Will Make
Concerted Effort to Repair Recalled Vehicles as Quickly and Conveniently as
Possible
TORRANCE, Calif., February 1, 2010 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., today announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week. Toyota's engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.
Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.
"Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive," said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. "We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can - as fast as we can - to make things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100% confident it was the right decision. We know what's causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road."
Lentz added: "We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering."
On January 21, Toyota announced its intention to recall approximately 2.3 million select Toyota Division vehicles equipped with a specific pedal assembly and suspended sales of the eight models involved in the recall on January 26.
Toyota vehicles affected by the recall include:
- Certain 2009-2010 RAV4
- Certain 2009-2010 Corolla
- 2009-2010 Matrix
- 2005-2010 Avalon
- Certain 2007-2010 Camry
- Certain 2010 Highlander
- 2007-2010 Tundra
- 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and certain Camry models, including Camry hybrids, all of which remain for sale.
Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) that begin with "J" are not affected by the accelerator pedal recall.
In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.
Detailed information and answers to questions about issues related to this recall are available to customers at www.toyota.com/recall and at the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
How Toyota Will Fix Recalled Vehicles
Toyota has pinpointed the issue that could, on rare occasions, cause accelerator pedals in recalled vehicles to stick in a partially open position. The issue involves a friction device in the pedal designed to provide the proper "feel" by adding resistance and making the pedal steady and stable. The device includes a shoe that rubs against an adjoining surface during normal pedal operation. Due to the materials used, wear and environmental conditions, these surfaces may, over time, begin to stick and release instead of operating smoothly. In some cases, friction could increase to a point that the pedal is slow to return to the idle position or, in rare cases, the pedal sticks, leaving the throttle partially open.
Toyota's solution for current owners is both effective and simple. A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated. The company has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick.
Separately from the recall for sticking accelerator pedals, Toyota is in the process of recalling vehicles to address rare instances in which floor mats have trapped the accelerator pedal in certain Toyota and Lexus models (announced November 25, 2009), and is already notifying customers about how it will fix this issue. In the case of vehicles covered by both recalls, it is Toyota's intention to remedy both at the same time.
Toyota Begins Production of Third-Generation Sienna at Indiana Plant
Sienna is styled, developed and
assembled in the U.S.
PRINCETON, Ind. (January 20, 2010) - Production of the all-new 2011 Sienna
minivan is underway at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI) in Princeton,
Ind. Fully redesigned to meet the needs of consumers, the new Sienna was styled
at Toyota's Calty Design Research Center in Newport Beach, Calif., and developed
at the Toyota Technical Center in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Production of the new Sienna, as well as Highlander production that began
last October, is welcome news for the Indiana plant as it was underutilized
during the current economic downturn.
Staying Afloat During Challenging Times
The facility's 4,200 team members are confident that improvements they made during the economic downturn assured a successful Sienna and Highlander launch. Already grappling with the sales impact of escalating gas prices following Hurricane Katrina, the plant faced an uncertain future when the banking and housing crisis brought the economy to its knees and the auto industry with it.
The facility's 4,200 team members are confident that improvements they made during the economic downturn assured a successful Sienna and Highlander launch. Already grappling with the sales impact of escalating gas prices following Hurricane Katrina, the plant faced an uncertain future when the banking and housing crisis brought the economy to its knees and the auto industry with it.
TMMI came to a critical crossroads in mid-2008 as Toyota experienced
significant overcapacity in North America. As a partial solution, Toyota
consolidated production of the Tundra full-size pickup - originally built at
TMMI - into its Texas facility. Toyota also decided to begin building the
Highlander mid-size SUV in Indiana by late 2009.
However, prior to the start of Highlander production, TMMI was temporarily
left with only two vehicles - the Sienna minivan and the Sequoia full-size SUV -
on its pair of assembly lines. The consequence for TMMI was significant
over-staffing for more than one year.
"Without a doubt, our team members were worried," said Wil James, senior
vice president of TMMI. "Layoffs were happening all over the auto industry. It
would be many months before Highlander production began. As a result, half of
our team members were not building vehicles."
Fixing this problem was important not only to Toyota and its suppliers, who
employ thousands of people in Indiana and many other states, but critical for
the well-being of the southwestern Indiana community that relies so heavily on
the jobs created by TMMI.
Investment in Team Members and Facilities
Toyota invested approximately $450 million to upgrade the plant. With the start of Highlander production at TMMI last October, and the recent launch of the all-new Sienna, the plant's outlook has improved dramatically.
Investment in Team Members and Facilities
Toyota invested approximately $450 million to upgrade the plant. With the start of Highlander production at TMMI last October, and the recent launch of the all-new Sienna, the plant's outlook has improved dramatically.
TMMI's survival story is rooted in the way it treated team members during
the downturn, an approach far different from most manufacturers. TMMI and other
Toyota plants in North America capitalized upon the skill and know-how of team
members rather than conduct layoffs.
"It made more sense to further invest in our experienced team members,"
James said. "We refocused our work. When we weren't building vehicles, we were
preparing for a brighter future."
TMMI implemented a training program where team members gained a deeper
understanding of the Toyota Production System and fundamental Toyota auto
manufacturing skills. The anticipated result is even stronger application of
this knowledge to the production line.
"It's difficult to roll out such comprehensive training when the line is
moving," James said. "Our company spent a lot of time developing the best way to
do every job in the plant, so the downturn was actually a great opportunity to
complete this training in order to sharpen our skills."
Toyota Companies Pledge $500,000 to Haiti Relief Effort
New York, NY (January 15, 2010) - Toyota today announced a total of
$500,000 in donations to be divided equally among the American Red Cross, Save
the Children and Doctors Without Borders in support of their relief and recovery
efforts for earthquake victims in Haiti. In addition, all Toyota companies will
match team member and associate contributions to these organizations.
Commenting on the donations, Yoshi Inaba, president and chief operating
officer of Toyota Motor North America, Inc., said, "All of Toyota's nearly
34,000 associates and team members in the United States express their sincere
condolences to the victims and families affected by the earthquake in Haiti.
Our hope is that Toyota's support will quickly aid those in need, and we thank
all three organizations for their courageous efforts in the region."
Toyota Debuts New Auto Access Seat for Third-Generation 2011 Sienna at North American International Auto Show
DETROIT (Jan. 11, 2010) - Toyota will display an innovative Auto Access Seat, designed for use in the all-new 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan, for the first time at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Toyota is the first automaker in North America to offer a factory-installed, rotating, power ascending/descending lift-up seat. Designed internally, the Auto Access Seat will offer a new level of comfort and convenience to anyone who may need assistance getting in or out of a vehicle.
Factory installed at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (TMMI)
assembly plant, the Auto Access Seat offers consumers a seamless
purchase-process alternative to the current aftermarket installation method,
which requires the consumer to purchase their vehicle and then have it modified
by an aftermarket supplier.
The Sienna minivan equipped with the Auto Access Seat will offer a much
needed transportation solution for the caregivers of an elderly parent or spouse
with a walking disability, a disabled veteran, or for the parents of child with
a disability.
The Auto Access Seat features a one-touch operation and benefits from the
all-new Sienna's spacious interior and wide-opening sliding doors. A
seat-mounted ingress/egress switch and a wireless remote control allows for easy
and flexible seat operation. The seat rotates 90 degrees and can be lowered to
within 19 inches of the ground to further facilitate easier passenger transfers
at the exact height required.
Once inside, the Auto Access Seat occupant can utilize reclining and slide
switches located on both sides of the seat. This allows operation of up to four
inches of slide travel and reclining of up to 24 degrees. The auto-recline
feature also allows for safe head clearance through the door frame during entry
and exit. The compact design of the seat also provides ample legroom for
third-row passengers.
The Auto Access Seat is equipped with a number of safety attributes,
including an audible beep when the seat is in operation, and a park-shift
interlock feature that prevents seat operation if the vehicle is not in the
"Park" position. A sliding door sensor allows the seat to operate only when the
sliding door is completely open. Two audible beeps will warn the user of a
partially open sliding-door condition, or if the seat is not fully stowed when
the door close button is pressed. A manual retraction function allows the seat
to be retracted fully in the event of a vehicle power failure.
The Auto Access Seat also features obstruction-detection programming, which
notifies the operator with two audible beeps and halts seat operation. The seat
will retract when an obstruction is met to facilitate easier removal of the
object.
Additional safety features include Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
(LATCH) to properly secure any iso-fix style child safety seat. The Auto Access
Seat meets all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
The Auto Access Seat will be available on Sienna LE and XLE models. The
seat fabric matches the vehicle interior fabric and has a stain- and
odor-resistant treatment. The seat is vinyl trimmed on the XLE model to better
match the XLE grade interior style and allows for easier passenger
transfer.
Consumers will benefit from Toyota quality, durability, and reliability
with the new Auto Access Seat system. The seat-operating mechanism is
link-driven, allowing enhanced durability and a more quiet operation than
chain-driven systems. The Auto Access Seat has a lift capacity of up to 330
lbs., making it useful for people of all sizes or those who carry specialized
medical equipment. Owners will also enjoy the convenience of having the seat
system serviced at their local Toyota dealership, which comes with a
comprehensive three-year/36,000 mile factory warranty.
Toyota's Auto Access Seat will be available when the new third-generation
Sienna goes on sale in February 2010 (dealer order may be required).
Toyota will also display a new wheelchair-accessible Sienna Rampvan
converted by BraunAbility at the Detroit show. With an automatic side-entry
ramp, 10-inch-lowered floor, 56-inch-tall side-door opening and removable front
seats; wheelchair users can choose to ride in the center of the van, the
front-passenger position, or even drive from their chair. This state-of-the-art
conversion takes full advantage of the innovative features of the all-new Sienna
and will be available in the second quarter of 2010. BraunAbility is the
leading manufacturer of accessible wheelchair vans and wheelchair lifts.
Toyota Racing Launches New Web Site and Sweepstakes
Toyota Racing has launched a redesigned Web site. New features of the Web site include:
- All racing series now in one convenient, user-friendly site
- An upgraded full-size video player
- Driver downloads (screen savers and wallpapers)
- Photo galleries from every NASCAR® race
- Driver profiles
- Race results and standings
- A comprehensive all-series, full-season race schedule
You can check out the new site at toyotaracing.com.
In conjunction with the new Web site, Toyota Racing will also be launching an exciting sweepstakes for fans. Be sure to check back in August to enter!
Toyota Racing News
At the midpoint of the 2009 NASCAR season, Toyota has won five Sprint Cup Series races, seven Nationwide Series races and six NASCAR® Camping World Truck Series? (NCWTS) races. Drivers Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin are among the top 12 drivers vying for position in the NASCAR Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Toyota-supported drivers in the NHRA series have a battle of their own going on. In the Top Fuel category, Larry Dixon, Antron Brown, Shawn Langdon and Morgan Lucas fall in the top eight in points, with Dixon and Brown sitting at 1 and 2, respectively. In Fuel Funny Car, Del Worsham is holding ground in the top five. Toyota-supported Top Fuel NHRA drivers have won seven races, and Funny Car drivers have scored two victories this season.
To find out where all the Toyota drivers rank, visit the all-new toyotaracing.com.
Toyota U.S.A. Foundation Awards $3.3 Million for Math, Science Programs
Toyota U.S.A. Foundation Grants Support Math and Science Education
The Toyota U.S.A. Foundation, a charitable endowment established in 1987 to support the teaching and learning of K-12 math, science and environmental education, recently announced $3.3 million in new grants for 12 organizations across the country.
The foundation places a high priority on innovative, cost-effective and diverse programs that are broad in scope, incorporate interdisciplinary learning and use real-world classroom applications.
The recent grantees include:
- MK Level Playing Field Institute, San Francisco, California -- Summer
Math and Science Honors (SMASH) Academy, to support an intensive year-round math
and science academy for low-income, high-achieving students of color in the San
Francisco Bay Area.
- The After-School Corporation, New York, New York -- NYC Environmental
Conservation Heroes Award, to create a demonstration project that will inspire
young people, especially children of color and girls, to become scientists
through participation in environmental conservation clubs in after-school
programs in New York City, targeting children in grades 3-8.
- National Council for Science and the Environment, Washington, DC --
EnvironMentors Teacher Training Program, to support the establishment of a high
school teacher training component for the EnvironMentors program, which seeks to
increase interest in the environment among under-represented youth by matching
each participant to a mentor working in an environmental field.
- The Children's Aid Society, Flint, Michigan, and Toledo, Ohio -- the
CAS Environmental Education Curriculum, for the development and implementation
of a school-based and an after-school environmental curriculum in these two
school districts to enhance existing components of the Children's Aid Society's
program for fifth- and sixth-grade students.
- Academy for Educational Development, New York, New York --
After-School Math Plus, to support a two-year after-school math-enrichment
program for 1700 third- through eighth-grade American Indian students in the
Wabanaki, Cherokee and Pueblo nations in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and Albuquerque,
New Mexico.
- MIND Research Institute, Santa Ana, California -- Algebra I
Curriculum Development Project, to adapt its highly effective non-language-based
approach to teaching math for the development of an Algebra I curriculum, which
will provide educators an alternate and successful approach to teaching this
subject.
For additional information about the Toyota U.S.A. Foundation, click here.
College Grad Rebate increased to $1000
Congratulations graduate! Our gift to you? Toyota, in partnership with Toyota
Financial Services, is proud to offer its largest-ever college rebate -
$1,000 - to help you buy or lease your next Toyota.
Get a $1000 rebate on any new Toyota Camry (excluding Hybrid model), Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, Tacoma or Yaris vehicle!
Get a $1000 rebate on any new Toyota Camry (excluding Hybrid model), Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, Tacoma or Yaris vehicle!
What You'll
Get
Toyota College Graduate Rebate
Program:*
- $1000 rebate on new Toyota Camry (excludes Hybrid model), Corolla, Matrix, RAV4, Tacoma and Yaris vehicles - available April 1, 2009 through March 31, 2010
- Additionally receive all of the benefits called out below in the Toyota College Graduate Finance Plan
Toyota College Graduate Finance Plan:*
- No money down and no monthly payments for first 90 days
- Complimentary Roadside Assistance for one year
- Competitive APRs on new Toyotas
- Available on all new untitled Toyota vehicles and Toyota Certified Used Vehicles
How to
Qualify
You must meet all of these conditions:
- Get that degree! To take advantage
of the program you must:
- Have graduated from an accredited four-year college, university, or registered nursing degree program during the last two years or graduate from such a school/program within the next six months, or
- Have graduated from an accredited two-year college during the last two years, or
- Be enrolled in an accredited graduate degree program or have received a degree from an accredited graduate program during the last two years, or
- Have graduated during the last two years from the two-year Toyota Technical Education Network (T-TEN) Program or any other two-year post secondary automotive program accredited by the NATEF, or
- Have completed an electrician
apprenticeship/certification program during the last two years through the NJATC
and the IBEW.
- Get a job! Show proof of present
employment, or future employment with a start date within 120 days of your
purchase contract date. Toyota Financial Services (TFS) must deem your salary
sufficient to cover living expenses and vehicle payments.
- Get insured! Bring proof of
collision insurance, as required by TFS. See your dealer for
details.
- Minor credit lapses allowed! Obligations paid within 60 days or less of the due date and non-credit related (e.g., rent, utilities, health club membership, etc.) charge-offs less than $250 are acceptable.
Toyota Venza named Best Car for Dogs
Faced with declining sales among humans, Toyota has decided to make dogs a target demographic in their marketing campaign for the new Venza crossover.
It makes some sense: dogs have heretofore been a previously untapped market of potential car buyers, dog owners have been known to spend lavishly on their precious pooches, and a lot of St. Bernards have better earning potential than their owners. "More than half of all dog owners consider their pet's comfort when buying a car," said Bob Zeinstra, Toyota's national product marketing manager. "Our goal is to inform these on-the-go pet owners that Venza is a great choice when it comes to creature comfort and pet travel safety options."
Toyota says their marketing campaign will be aimed at "pets and their owners," although we've only seen a dog enter a legally binding credit agreement on The Simpsons. In other words, the dogs will get to ravage the interior of a brand new crossover while their owners get stuck with the bill.
The fur began to fly last night with an exclusive automotive sponsorship of the Westminster Kennel Club Show. Canine capers continue with pet travel safety demonstrations at the Global Pet Expo later this week, Venza-sponsored "Dog Park Days" with free dog treats at parks in LA and Phoenix, and product placement on Dog the Bounty Hunter. Okay, we made that last one up -- but Toyota will be sponsoring the fifth season of Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan.
Dogtime.com recently featured the Venza as their "Best Car for Dogs" in a recent review. According to Lucky the Dalmatian, the most important attributes of a dog-friendly car include plenty of cargo space, good ventilation, all-wheel drive, and 20-inch rims. Coincidentally, these are all attributes of the Toyota Venza. Not coincidentally, the article was sponsored by Toyota.
Unfortunately for Toyota, spending terrifies pet owners more than a Hoover freaks out Fido. Trips to the groomers are down, as are sales of gourmet treats and Chihuahua tiaras. At the worst end of the spectrum, dog owners who have lost their homes to foreclosure are abandoning their pets while animal shelters shutter their doors amidst budget cuts.
Even if you can't afford a new Venza, you can enjoy pictures of irresistable
pups enjoying Toyota-branded pet gear at Toyota's flickr site. Woof.
Over the past few days, there has been a lot of speculation about our sticking accelerator
pedal recall. Our message to Toyota owners is this - if you are not experiencing any issues
with your accelerator pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive. If your
accelerator pedal becomes harder to depress than normal or slower to return, please
contact your dealer without delay.
At Toyota, we take this issue very seriously, but I want to make sure our customers understand
that this situation is rare and generally doesn't occur suddenly. In the instances where it does
occur, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.
Here's the latest update on the recall:
1. We're starting to send letters this weekend to owners involved in the recall to schedule
an appointment at their dealer.
2. Dealerships have extended their hours - some of them working 24/7 - to fix your
vehicle as quickly as possible.
3. Trained technicians have begun making repairs.
We've halted production of these models this week to focus fully on fixing this problem for
the vehicles that are on the road.
Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel has
been mobilized. And we're redoubling our quality control efforts across the company.
Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. I will continue to update you with accurate and
timely information about the status of the recall in the days and weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
top
pedal recall. Our message to Toyota owners is this - if you are not experiencing any issues
with your accelerator pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive. If your
accelerator pedal becomes harder to depress than normal or slower to return, please
contact your dealer without delay.
At Toyota, we take this issue very seriously, but I want to make sure our customers understand
that this situation is rare and generally doesn't occur suddenly. In the instances where it does
occur, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.
Here's the latest update on the recall:
1. We're starting to send letters this weekend to owners involved in the recall to schedule
an appointment at their dealer.
2. Dealerships have extended their hours - some of them working 24/7 - to fix your
vehicle as quickly as possible.
3. Trained technicians have begun making repairs.
We've halted production of these models this week to focus fully on fixing this problem for
the vehicles that are on the road.
Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel has
been mobilized. And we're redoubling our quality control efforts across the company.
Ensuring your safety is our highest priority. I will continue to update you with accurate and
timely information about the status of the recall in the days and weeks ahead.
Sincerely,