More Trouble for Toyota
The AP reported on Toyota’s efforts to block access to black box information that could explain crashes blamed on sudden unintended acceleration. The AP investigation found that Toyota was inconsistent and even contradictory in revealing what the black boxes record. According to the report; “Toyota’s “black box” information is emerging as a critical legal issue amid the recall of 8 million vehicles by the world’s largest automaker. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said this week that 52 people have died in crashes linked to accelerator problems, triggering an avalanche of lawsuits.”
I previously posted on Toyota’s problems back in mid-February. At that time, I posted that more information was likely to come to light before Toyota’s problems faded from public view. Looks like I was correct. Toyota’s public image has certainly taken a hit. Not only should we question Toyota’s reputation as an automaker who makes better more dependable cars, but perhaps more importantly, its reputation as an automaker that makes safer ones as well.
I’ll make another prediction. Before this issue is over, embarrassing evidence will come to light showing that Toyota has known about the problem of sudden acceleration for years, but that it has tried to hide the problem from regulator’s and customers for some time. Stop back by for results on my prediction in the weeks to come.
