TOYOTA’S TROUBLES

Toyota anticipates they will spend approximately $440 million on a possible accelerator pedal recall, which has been reported to have cause deaths and serious injuries here in the United States.

Over 3.8 million vehicles are estimated to be recalled, for a faulty floor mat that can dislodge from the holding clip if equipped or not and suddenly becomes stuck between the accelerator pedal and the floor causing the vehicle to rev out of control.

This is Toyota’s claim and quick fix and it is not settling with many industry experts. Who believe there are other factors that can lead to such unfortunate occurrences even the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have found other problems on a Lexus ES 350 that was responsible for killing four people in the California.

Although pedal height to floor clearance maybe possible for some of these reported issues there are other areas needs to be explored intensively like the Pedal assembly design which are now cable-less a flyby wire system, loose components, faulty wiring Throttle Body Unit and any accompanying  sensors, monitoring computer command PID’s data signal, and a possible reprogramming of the PCM. A percentage remain that driver error could be a possibility.

To duplicate this intermittent concern can be tedious and time consuming, however for all the lives and money that could be save it is worth every investment, not to mention Toyota’s reputation

For anyone who has ever had a personal computer problem well there is no difference in the automobile.

In today’s sophisticated technologically advance automobile having upwards of thirty  individual modules that control system, like Brake, Steering, Climate Control, lighting, Anti-Theft, Suspension, Seats, Doors, Electronics Controls, Navigation System, Parking, Tire Pressure, to name a few, delivering their information over a network  can at times lead to mishap.

Imagine a classroom full of students all attempting to speak with their teacher at once, and for that teacher to intake, process, and command each student concern simultaneously in repetitive fashion throughout the day, at some point their bound to be an error.

The action taken to correct this problem by the PCM may not be favorable and this is where a glitch can happen. An uncharacteristic response becomes noticeable

Thousands of data are monitored and processed within milliseconds in response to drivers input and command, oftentimes an overload of information can cause an erratic performance where reprogramming the PCM sometimes fixes the problem.

Dear GM

In amongst all the news about the automotive industry of late, it was reported that you are considering selling your patent for the 4.5-liter diesel engine. Please don’t; this could be a catastrophic mistake. Wake up! Can’t you see that this could be the basis of an overall redesign?

Such a knee-jerk reaction, brought on by our economy and gloomier forecasts, would defeat GM’s current turnaround plans. This innovative engine design showcases your engineering talent and prowess. Although currently out of production in GM models, these engines are:

• Easier to repair
• Cost less to repair
• Have increased fuel efficiency

Selling this patent would have dire effects. Remember Cadillac selling its cylinder cancellation technology back in the ‘80s. While the cylinder cancellation concept was right, a technical bug hastened the car company’s decision to jettison the technology before the bug could be worked out. Cadillac’s premature decision resulted in other manufactures making cylinder cancellation the concept of choice for engine displacement system to conserve fuel in almost every engine in the market today. With fuel economy at the top of new car buyer’s lists of must haves, followed quickly by low and easy maintenance, the reintroduction of the 4.5-liter diesel engine could be the pivot point in GMs recovery.

Come on GM, lace up those boots and run for it!

The Recession Question: Repairing versus Buying?

The economy is down, the automotive industry is trying to survive, and the good news is that the price of a vehicle has never been better. Some people are taking advantage of these savings and replacing all their fleet and/or personal cars. Others rather weather the recession by repairing their existing vehicles. So, that begs the question, is it better to buy now or to repair?

First of all, if you’re financially able to do it, as a favor to the auto industry and the economy please…PLEASE consider buying. Not only will you be able to get an amazing deal but you’ll also be part of the solution and helping the auto industry get out of this mess. If you rather wait and repair the vehicles that you currently have, think about this.

The four most expensive vehicle repairs are related to major engine, transmission, rear axle, and electronics problems. If these are not the current issues with your car, then it MAY be ok/practical to keep or “nurse” you car until you are in a better financial position to purchase a new one. Of course, if you’ve been neglecting certain repairs and then end up with a laundry list of items, you may want to check the blue book value of your vehicle and make a decision. You can also contact us or a friend who has automotive knowledge to help you decide.

So, if you just got a bonus and you’re trying to figure out what to do with the extra cash—consider buying a car. Prices have never been better. If you need a small repair like replacing a starter or radiator—go ahead and make a trip to the mechanic.

Are American Cars Old Fashioned? Is that why American automakers are losing money?

With so much buzz about the failing American car industry, these are questions I often get from individuals considering (but worried) about purchasing a GM, Ford, or any other American vehicle today.
The truth is, American cars are just as technologically advanced as their foreign counterparts. Another fact is that foreign automakers are in as much trouble financially as U.S. companies. This perception that American cars are not with the times and the only auto manufacturers in the world in financial trouble is just that—-a perception. It’s a public relations issue that the auto industry needs to spend money on to get themselves out of this hole. Don’t believe me…..read on.

Toyota, who has been posting losses over the last few months, was also bailed out and even posted a recent loss of 39%. Honda also received government funding and posted a recent loss of 36%. By comparison Ford lost 42%, GM 44%, and Chrysler 39%. The difference in financial situation and losses between foreign and American cars is minimal, yet if you shared these facts with the average person on the street, they would not believe you.

When it comes to technology, the reason why Toyota is perceived as a producer of more advanced and innovative vehicles is that they were one of the first—-that’s it. As a matter of fact, American automobiles offer more technologically advanced vehicles to consumers than foreign companies do! From a technological perspective, what distinguishes American and foreign vehicles, is the type of technology they utilize —not the amount of bells and whistles they offer. They both utilize a different approach/innovation to accomplish basically the same thing. They may both use different motors that result in a more fuel efficient car, but they both offer the technology to consumers. They may both use different computer features to make functions smoother, but they both end up with the same result.

Next time you are looking for an innovative car and trying to decide between American and foreign, don’t assume foreign vehicles offer the most modern solutions and are a safer purchase given the negative media. You may actually find more choices by taking a second look at American cars.

Car companies need to reduce operational costs but they also need to invest in something even more important —an aggressive public relations campaign to remove the negative stigma consumers have about American cars. Removing the stigma in itself will help bring new customers and revenue.