Toyota recently recalled 8.5 million vehicles for safety issues! This is the biggest ever recall in the history of automotive industry. So what are the underlying issues for these recalls? If you believe Toyota it has to do mostly with sticky accelerator pedal, a mechanical problem. As much as I want to believe Toyota evidence is pointing out otherwise. Of all the uncontrolled acceleration cases reported by consumers, 70% of them did not happen in the cars under recall. What does that mean? it is simple there are other issues in play here , beyond the apparent reason Toyota has provided.

Per this article suspicion is mounting against the automakers complex electronics that runs the car. Toyota executive were called today for Congress hearing, the executives tried to put on a brave face but the message was loud and clear- fess up and come clean- deal with all the issues- electronic, mechanical, computer…here are some notable quotes form the hearing and I will let you decide- are Mechanical issues the only one to blame?

“A number of lawmakers said, openly questioning Toyota’s insistence that the problems are mechanical, not linked to the vehicles’ sophisticated electronics. “

“Tracking down an electrical problem can be far more difficult, expensive and time-consuming than finding a mechanical problem. Electrical problems can have more than one source, and they can come from inside or outside the car. Mechanical problems often leave clues such as physical damage, where electronic troubles can be hidden in software or leave no trace at all. ”

“Congressional panels are asking whether computerized modern automotive electronics designed to make cars more efficient can sometimes make them less safe. “

I rest my case. I let the reader decide if a simplistic explanation of sticky pedal is enough. The consumer deserves to know better. It is clear that rampant cost control to keep the vehicle prices down and market share up has resulted into a poor quality product. Toyota are you listening, a lot is riding on how you come out of this crises. I hope stronger, I love my Toyotas

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Toyota recently recalled 8.5 million vehicles for safety issues! This is the biggest ever recall in the history of automotive industry. So what are the underlying issues for these recalls? If you believe Toyota it has to do mostly with sticky accelerator pedal, a mechanical problem. As much as I want to believe Toyota evidence is pointing out otherwise. Of all the uncontrolled acceleration cases reported by consumers, 70% of them did not happen in the cars under recall. What does that mean? it is simple there are other issues in play here , beyond the apparent reason Toyota has provided.

Per this article suspicion is mounting against the automakers complex electronics that runs the car. Toyota executive were called today for Congress hearing, the executives tried to put on a brave face but the message was loud and clear- fess up and come clean- deal with all the issues- electronic, mechanical, computer…here are some notable quotes form the hearing and I will let you decide- are Mechanical issues the only one to blame?

“A number of lawmakers said, openly questioning Toyota’s insistence that the problems are mechanical, not linked to the vehicles’ sophisticated electronics. “

“Tracking down an electrical problem can be far more difficult, expensive and time-consuming than finding a mechanical problem. Electrical problems can have more than one source, and they can come from inside or outside the car. Mechanical problems often leave clues such as physical damage, where electronic troubles can be hidden in software or leave no trace at all. ”

“Congressional panels are asking whether computerized modern automotive electronics designed to make cars more efficient can sometimes make them less safe. “

I rest my case. I let the reader decide if a simplistic explanation of sticky pedal is enough. The consumer deserves to know better. It is clear that rampant cost control to keep the vehicle prices down and market share up has resulted into a poor quality product. Toyota are you listening, a lot is riding on how you come out of this crises. I hope stronger, I love my Toyotas

Cell phone is a necessity today, but when in a car, the same can be a big nuisance. Like many other states, California has also jumped in the bandwagon of banning cell phone use while driving, albeit you are allowed to use a hands-free device. Here are some details from DMV, California. Personally I would rather use a cell phone while driving, just because of “my” own convenience, but I understand the risk I take and the risk I put to others. On balance I am ready to put up with the inconvenience of a hands-free device if it is going to increase safety on the road. I have a blue tooth hands free device that goes with my blackberry, but don’t use it that often. It seems too robotic, too impersonal in some ways. Guess, I need to change that..years of driving certain way means my mind is conditioned to using the cell phone whenever it is ringing, be hard to get rid of..but I am going to give it a honest try, guess I have no choice now..do I? Can’t risk being pulled over or a flashing light in the rear view mirror:-)I have a feeling this law is going to spread quickly to other states and all across North America, better get ready for it in advance! I have been driving for over 25 years now (Since I was 15)..almost take it for granted…forget the speed limit for a second and I see myself cruising at 75-80 miles/hr in a 65 zone. So easy to get carried away when the moon-roof is open and the breeze is gushing through your veins, the adrenaline rush..you know the type road trip memories are made of..but the sensible side of me stops me from getting very far with my indulgence. Before you know it, I will be back in the allowed speed limit, no more worried about a flashing light on my rear view mirror

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Cell phone is a necessity today, but when in a car, the same can be a big nuisance. Like many other states, California has also jumped in the bandwagon of banning cell phone use while driving, albeit you are allowed to use a hands-free device. Here are some details from DMV, California. Personally I would rather use a cell phone while driving, just because of “my” own convenience, but I understand the risk I take and the risk I put to others. On balance I am ready to put up with the inconvenience of a hands-free device if it is going to increase safety on the road. I have a blue tooth hands free device that goes with my blackberry, but don’t use it that often. It seems too robotic, too impersonal in some ways. Guess, I need to change that..years of driving certain way means my mind is conditioned to using the cell phone whenever it is ringing, be hard to get rid of..but I am going to give it a honest try, guess I have no choice now..do I? Can’t risk being pulled over or a flashing light in the rear view mirror:-)I have a feeling this law is going to spread quickly to other states and all across North America, better get ready for it in advance! I have been driving for over 25 years now (Since I was 15)..almost take it for granted…forget the speed limit for a second and I see myself cruising at 75-80 miles/hr in a 65 zone. So easy to get carried away when the moon-roof is open and the breeze is gushing through your veins, the adrenaline rush..you know the type road trip memories are made of..but the sensible side of me stops me from getting very far with my indulgence. Before you know it, I will be back in the allowed speed limit, no more worried about a flashing light on my rear view mirror