Vehicle Safety Mar 12, 2010
Get Headlines Sent To Your Email Or Phone. Tomorrow will bring a good soaking rain in the valley, with a foot or more of snow in the Sierra. (KCRA 3, CA)
00004000Toyota class-action lawsuits mount Mar 11, 2010
As Toyota continues to deal with the recalls and wavering public confidence in its vehicle safety, its biggest financial fight may be in the courtroom. A key decision could come at a March 25 hearing in San Diego, where a panel of federal judges will consider whether to consolidate the mushrooming cases into a single jurisdiction. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Toyota keeps tight lid on crash data Mar 6, 2010
-based company that does vehicle safety research for attorneys, engineers, the government and others. One attorney in the Texas case contends in court documents that the Toyota may have deliberately stopped allowing its EDRs to collect critical information so the Japanese automaker would not be forced to reveal it in court cases. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Toyota keeps locks on black boxes Mar 5, 2010
-based company that does vehicle safety research for attorneys, engineers, government and others. Click for related content. (MSNBC -- Business)
Pedal issue at first drew little notice in Europe Mar 3, 2010
But in Britain, safety advocates are questioning whether the agencies charged with monitoring vehicle safety are active enough. Robert Gifford, the executive director of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety, a nonprofit group that seeks to advise British legislators on safety issues, says the UK's structure for dealing with recalls is an issue "that is beginning to emerge.". (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
GM recalls vehicles over steering problems Mar 3, 2010
The recall comes at a time of heighten public and regulatory scrutiny over vehicle safety issues in the wake of massive recalls by Toyota Motor Corp. Reuters. Most Viewed. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Bitter Battle Over 'Secret' Toyota Docs on Hill Mar 3, 2010
As reported on the Blotter, Towns sent a strongly worded letter after the hearing to Inaba, head of Toyota's North America operations, alleging that Toyota had deliberately withheld key evidence during civil litigation over vehicle safety. In his letter, Towns cited a congressional review of documents obtained under subpoena from Dimitrios Biller, a former top Toyota lawyer now engaged in a legal dispute with his former employer. (ABC News)
Toyota Executives in U.S. Lobbied Headquarters in Japan for Safety Changes Mar 3, 2010
We are making fundamental changes in the way our company operates in order to ensure that Toyota sets an even higher standard for vehicle safety and reliability, responsiveness to customers and transparency with regulators, , Toyotas North American president, told the Senate panel. NHTSA has received four reports from drivers saying their Toyota vehicles experienced sudden unintended acceleration after they were in the shop for repairs under the automakers recalls. (Bloomberg)
More >> Mar 3, 2010
Toyota is facing a slide in US sales after recalling more than 6 million vehicles there due to problems with uncontrolled acceleration and braking glitches which have shone a spotlight on vehicle safety issues. US auto sales data, due later on Tuesday, are expected to show Toyota's market share sliding to its lowest level in more than five years, according to industry tracking firm Edmunds. (India Times)
GM Recalling 1.3 Million Vehicles Over Steering Problems Mar 2, 2010
The recall comes at a time of heighted public and regulatory scrutiny over vehicle safety issues in the wake of massive recalls by Toyota Motor Corp.. Toyota global quality control chief Shinichi Sasaki and North American President Yoshimi Inaba are scheduled to appear before a Senate committee on Tuesday for a third hearing on its handling of consumer complaints about sudden acceleration. (ABC News -- Wire)
Toyota recalls affect insurers little Feb 28, 2010
PHILADELPHIA - As recalls and manufacturer defects continue to raise questions about Toyota vehicle safety, owners may worry that auto-insurance premiums may be affected, too. Not necessarily, experts say. (The News-Press -- Business)
Congress Blasts Toyota for Withholding Key Evidence, Secret 'Books of Knowledge' Feb 27, 2010
Toyota deliberately withheld key evidence during litigation over vehicle safety, according to a Congressional review of documents obtained from a former top Toyota lawyer turned whistleblower. Dimitrios Biller says automaker covered up evidence of safety problems. (ABC News)
Toyota Claimed `Win' in U.S. Response to Sienna Injuries, Documents Show Feb 26, 2010
Although Toyota is willing to identify this campaign as a safety recall in the owner communication about the campaign, Toyota has not determined that the condition described above is a safety-related defect within the meaning of the federal vehicle safety laws, Toyota Vice President , the former NHTSA employee, wrote in a May 30, 2008 letter to the agency. NHTSA agreed to the lesser classification in a June 25, 2008, report that cited the Toyota letters to owners. (Bloomberg -- Japan)
Click to read: Rental Cars Missing Airbags Hit Used Lots Feb 25, 2010
Sean Kane, a safety consultant from Safety Research and Strategies, a safety advocacy group, said, "In all the years of our work in motor vehicle safety, we have never seen a standard feature deleted from a car in this kind of way.". Kane said he was shocked to discover side airbags deleted and replaced with plastic. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Shame and blame at Toyota hearings Feb 24, 2010
The noise of congressional hearings is no substitute for a rigorous, independent, science-based investigation that can reassure motorists who have lost faith in the corporate and government overseers of vehicle safety. This article appeared on page A - 9 of the San Francisco Chronicle. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Toyota President Vows Company Will Change Its Ways Feb 23, 2010
Toyota president promises automaker will change its ways as he addresses vehicle safety issues. NEW YORK February 22, 2010 (AP) The Associated Press. (ABC News -- Wire)
High-tech entertainment system rolling out to Mid-East buses Feb 22, 2010
Funtoro vice-president Arthur Huang said the companys mission is to create an intelligent vehicle that was able to provide top-class entertainment and the latest in mobile communication, besides maximising vehicle safety and environmental protection. The Mod system will be introduced at the Commercial Vehicles Middle East Show taking place here from March 9 to 11. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Technology)
Gov't investigators sift haystacks of safety data Feb 22, 2010
The government's vehicle safety data is submitted by the equivalent of patients themselves, and some are hypochondriacs eager to chronicle their ailments. "Can't break (sic) effectively on snow," wrote the owner of a 2008 Prius in Mentor, Ohio, who described the effects of driving 35 mph in the white stuff. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
The week ahead Feb 22, 2010
The Japanese carmaker s chief executive had hoped to avoid attending the hearing at which Ray LaHood, America s transportation secretary, and other officials concerned with vehicle safety will give evidence. But the latest scare, over the steering on the company s Corolla model, threatened more battering for Toyota s faltering reputation and convinced Mr Toyoda to avoid further criticism by appearing in person before the committee to explain the company's actions. (The Economist)
Obama v. Toyota -- The California Connection Feb 21, 2010
The Government which had acted as a objective, regulatory referee in vehicle safety for 40 years, was now in the car business itself. With Obama, government regulatory power, union contracts, and corporate profit merged. (Human Events Online)
Toyota chief to testify, as Corolla probe is launched Feb 19, 2010
Also Thursday afternoon, the Oversight committee announced it subpoenaed "all documents relating to Toyota motor vehicle safety and Toyota's handling of alleged motor vehicle defects and related litigation" possessed by Dimitrios Biller. He was an in-house lawyer at Toyota from 2003 to 2007. (USA Today -- Money)
Valdez Republican wants winter tires to be mandatory Feb 19, 2010
JUNEAU - Winter tires should be a mandatory vehicle safety feature in Alaska ... JUNEAU - Winter tires should be a mandatory vehicle safety feature in Alaska. (Juneau Empire)
Toyota Whistleblower Subpoenaed Feb 19, 2010
The orders Biller to produce "all documents" in his possession "relating to Toyota motor vehicle safety and Toyota's handling of alleged motor vehicle defects." The subpoena specifically orders him to produce all documents related to the allegations in his suit against Toyota. "Mr. Biller was served with a today," said Biller's attorney, Jeff Allen. (ABC News)
Is the Obama Agenda to Blame for the Toyota Recall Media Boom? Feb 19, 2010
What is clear about the Toyota safety problem is that what should have been handled as a routine motor vehicle safety recall has now become a political football, and is well on its way to souring the good relations between the United States and Japan. So the government is asking for an expansive release of records from Toyota when the U. S. Government and the UAW are primary stakeholders in Toyota s primary competition (GM and Chrysler). (Human Events Online)
RECALL: Toyota deaths reported to safety database rise to 37 Feb 19, 2010
Cindy Knight, a U.S. Toyota spokeswoman, said Tuesday, "We're in the process of complying with the request for information. Toyota takes its responsibility to advance vehicle safety very seriously. I think NHTSA is just trying to pursue safety issues as seriously as we are.". NHTSA could fine Toyota up to $49. (USA Today -- Autos)
US demands Toyota recall info; company cutting production Feb 18, 2010
Toyota said in a statement that it takes its responsibility to advance vehicle safety seriously and to alert government officials of any safety issue in a timely manner. We are reviewing NHTSAs request and will cooperate to provide all the information they have requested. (The News-Press -- Business)
* Toyota president set to skip US lawmakers hearing Feb 18, 2010
In response to the agencys request, Toyota said it took responsibility to advance vehicle safety seriously and to alert government officials of any safety issue in a timely manner. . (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
//U.S. Safety Agency Seeks Documents Feb 17, 2010
"Toyota takes its responsibility to advance vehicle safety seriously and to alert government officials of any safety issue in a timely manner," the company said. The company has 30 to 60 days, depending on specific requests, to provide the documents. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
Farm vehicle regulations may be changing (3) Feb 15, 2010
Farm vehicle regulations may be changing - Somerset - Daily American. Somerset County farmers and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau representatives said the regulations would be a detriment to the industry. (Somerset Daily American, PA)
The Big Dig’s deadly ‘safety’ rails Feb 14, 2010
who does accident reconstructions, and Joseph Kanianthra, a consultant and retired vehicle safety administrator for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The railing height is seen as a particular hazard for motorcyclists. (Boston Globe)
Thomas Was One Of Us Feb 13, 2010
Thomas accident proved that were neither perfect nor invincible, and we learned a valuable lesson about vehicle safety. It was a cold, damp Tuesday on February 8, 2000 when Thomas passed. (WarPaintIllustrated.com)
Woman sues Toyota over husband's death Feb 13, 2010
Toyota faced new woes on Friday with another recall - this time involving its Tacoma trucks - after US President Barack Obama warned carmakers not to drag their feet on beefing up vehicle safety. 9 Feb. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Toyota faces new woes with Tacoma truck recall Feb 13, 2010
" onclick="Next();" src="/images/butt_next. " Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles in past months due to problems linked to accelerator and brake functions. Those recalls cover models with "sticky accelerators" that cause cars to race out of control, a defect cited in several deadly crashes, and has widened to brake system problems in the Prius and other hybrid models. In his first public remarks on Toyota's deepening defect crisis, Obama warned carmakers their brands were at risk if they... (Channelnewsasia.com)
TOYOTA TROUBLES: Could company's connections help it weather investigations? Feb 9, 2010
Toyota's main liaison to the government on vehicle safety is Christopher Tinto, who worked several years in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation as a vehicle-defect investigator and in its Office of Vehicle Safety Standards, where he mostly worked on heavy-truck braking standards. Josephine Cooper is among Toyota's lobbyists. (USA Today -- Autos)
NHTSA Launches Formal Investigation into Toyota Prius Hybrid Safety Issues Feb 7, 2010
gov or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236 ... gov or call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236. (Saint Louis Front Page)
Giant Leap in Robotic Technology? Feb 6, 2010
"When it comes to future vehicles, the advancements in controls, sensors and vision technology can be used to develop advanced vehicle safety systems. The partnership's vision is to explore advanced robots working together in harmony with people, building better, higher quality vehicles in a safer, more competitive manufacturing environment.". The idea of using dexterous, human-like robots capable of using their hands to do intricate work is not new to the aerospace industry. (Science Daily)
Volkswagen to Spotlight 'Punch Dub' Game in Super Bowl Ad, Online Campaign Touting Product Family Jan 29, 2010
This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at or to learn more. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Law would mandate seat belts Jan 27, 2010
It "makes nonuse of motor vehicle safety belts a primary offense.". "A lot of people have health problems because of car accidents. It is a major health concern," Barlow said. (Chatham Star Tribune, VA)
Protecting Passengers: New System for Determining the Dynamic Behavior of a Bus Body Structure Jan 22, 2010
"Moreover," he continued, "it has been observed that this factor is particularly relevant in the increase of the rollover threshold, and that as such, results in greater vehicle safety. Several factors are involved in obtaining a resistant rigid torsion structure, such as the dimensions of the cross-section of the profiles that make up the structure, the material of the profiles and the availability of the same in the bus structure. "This research study, as well as others that we are carrying... (Science Daily)
Toyota recall: Gas pedal issue affects more than 2M vehicles Jan 22, 2010
The floor mat recall triggered a public scolding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the government agency that monitors vehicle safety. The NHTSA statement on Nov. 4 accused the automaker of putting out "inaccurate and misleading information" by saying the agency had concluded that there wasn't a safety problem in vehicles that had no mats, or in which mats fit correctly. (USA Today -- Money)
Chrysler vehicles recalled for possible brake failure Jan 19, 2010
Owners of these vehicles can contact NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or Chrysler at 800-853-1403. TM. (FOX19.com, OH)
* MOEA to boost electric car market Jan 14, 2010
Yulon Groups (~) -Luxgen-brand electric passenger vehicle was the first manufacturer in Taiwan to receive the governments vehicle safety certificate on Dec. 16, the statement said, citing Minister of Transportation and Communications Mao Chih-kuo (v), who also joined yesterdays meeting. The Luxgen-brand EV+ vehicle is expected to receive the -government-approved license plate next month, Mao said, adding that his ministry is considering designing a different vehicle plate... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Auto Show Previews Key Year for Carmakers Jan 11, 2010
I think there is something that most people are not aware of and that is that all new cars sold in the U.S.must conform to the so-called "Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards" (FMVSS). These so-called standards are mostly nonsensical gibberish written by committees of totally clueless amateurs who didn't have the vaguest idea what they were doing. (CBS News)
A captain's chair for Kylie Jan 10, 2010
They examined federal motor vehicle safety standards and spent months analyzing and designing concepts on the computer. They spent their second semester building and welding with donated metal from Casper-based High Country Fabrication, standard captain's chairs from auto part supplier JC Whitney and funding from the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
GM says China sales up 67% in 2009 Jan 10, 2010
The company opened a science laboratory and a vehicle safety lab and broke ground on what it says is China's biggest vehicle proving ground. Last month, GM and SAIC announced they were launching a new venture to produce and sell cars in India. (USA Today -- Autos)
GM recalling some Corvettes over removable roof Jan 10, 2010
Owners may also contact the NHTSA's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or go to. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. (USA Today -- Autos)
