Toyota Out to Restore Confidence

I like to be fair.  On Wednesdays.

Toyota has been hammered by everyone with a keyboard, maybe serenaded by some, but not that I've heard.  All over this business of unintended acceleration.

CEO-San Toyoda (sic) is adamant that Toyota's electronic accelerators are not at fault, but to restore confidence in the brands, Toyota would install brake-override systems in all new cars.  Not old cars.  Those have been sold already and can't be affected by lack of confidence.  The override will shut off the accelerator if it senses that both the accelerator and brake are being pushed at the same time.

Two-footed drives can sit out rush hour.  And the rest of the day.

The Corolla problem is different.  Drivers seem to feel that they are losing control of the steering, but that is not a major issue since the Corolla does not have Prius brakes.  Note, too, that the drivers only feel that they are losing control, not actually losing it.  Until the car hits a fire hydrant just like Tiger Woods.  Then, they are actually losing it.  But maybe Mr. Toyoda does not get the idiom.

To restore your confidence, Mr. Toyoda promises to cooperate with anyone who asks in solving any real or perceived problems.  Except for the electronic throttle and its unattached pedal.  Don't worry, he knows those are just fine.  Maybe you should shoot Mr. Toyoda a big thumbs up as your Camry flies unintendedly into a second story office window.

Mr. Toyoda did indicate that he and his executive team back home cared more about his drive for market share than your drive through the market itself, but that's over with for now.  If only because he's got a dive for market share right now.

Still, apologies all around and, you out there in Toyotas, Lexus's, Prius's and Scions, please feel safe.