Own a Hybrid Car

A huge recall was released by Toyota Motor Corp. on a variety of Toyota models in relation to recently discovered defective gas pedals that have been attributed on a number of accidents. 

The recall, which was declared January 26, 2010, came as some Toyota brand cars previously sold that totals up to 2.3 million have been discovered to have sticking gas pedals that causes the car to accelerate non stop.

Listed below are the car models being recalled by Toyota:

Camry (2007-2010)
Matrix (2009-2010)
Corolla (2009-2010)
Sequoia (2008-2010)
Tundra (2007-2010)
Highlander (2010)
Avalon (2005-2010)
RAV4 (2009-2010)

The same gas pedal problem was not found on certain Camry models like the Camry Hybrid.  Unlisted Toyota models like the Yaris, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Prius, etc. are regarded as safe and will continue to be on sale.

Because of this, Toyota has decided to put on hold the production of these particular models on six assembly plants around North America. 

A significant loss on profit and a strain on its reputation is a certainty for Toyota Motors Corp.  In terms of sale, Toyota has sold more cars than any other car company in the world, placing them in the number one spot.  However, due to this setback, the future of Toyota seems cold and it needs to redeem itself if it wishes to regain the market’s trust again.

A probable recall may also take place at some point in time in Europe because some parts of the gas pedals that are used in North America are also used on some Toyota models in Europe.  It is believed that only one supplier from the US was the only source of the defective part.

The recall is also being related to the previous event regarding the auto giant that happened in Japan in 2006.  The incident involved the Japanese government conducting a criminal investigation on Toyota due to a number of accidents that took place and being traced to manufacturing problems.  Charges were never filed against any of Toyota’s executives and staff but this incident has come back to haunt the company in some ways.

Shares of Toyota in the Tokyo stock market were said to have fallen 4.3 per cent right after the recall.
In a previous statement, Toyota announced a forecast sale of 2.19 million cars in the US and Canada and above 8 million car sales worldwide for 2010.  Because of this recent embarrassment, however, that sales forecast could dramatically go down or could even cost Toyota huge in their sales profit.

The quality control problem Toyota’s presently having is also being blamed on the growth plan of Katsuaki Watanabe, the company’s previous president.  The growth strategy involved increased and rapid production which is said to have played a role not detecting defective gas pedals earlier.  In 2009, Watanabe was succeeded by the grandson of Toyota’s founder, Akio Toyoda.

Various safety firms have reported that more than 2,000 incidents of sudden acceleration concerning Toyota vehicles and at least six casualties were also reported. 

Toyota’s image may have been stained because of this lapse but it is still a leader when it comes to green technology as it constantly releases brand new models of the Prius.