Following reports of dangerous Toyotas and unintended acceleration, unprecedented recalls, a $16.4 million fine for hiding information about a defective gas pedal from federal regulators, and a denial of any electronics malfunctions, the Japanese automaker Toyota is feeling the fallout of bad press. According to The Los Angeles Times, the U.S.-based Ford Motor Company has now surpassed the usually reliable Toyota brand in the consumer group’s 2011 Car Brand Perception Survey.
According to the survey, Honda ranks as number one, with 25 percent of those participating in the survey calling it the best quality automobile. Ford came in second, with 23 percent responding in their favor, while Toyota ranked third at 19 percent. The remaining two spots were taken by Chevrolet (16 percent), and Mercedes-Benz (15 percent).
Ford outsold Toyota last year for the first time in four years.
All of the promotional campaigns launched by Toyota after the much publicized deadly runaway vehicle recalls pushed the Toyota brand to highest in overall brand perception which includes value, quality, safety, and performance. Ironically, the survey comes following the $10 million award to the survivors of the Mark Saylor family who in August 2009 perished over a San Diego mountain in a runaway Toyota Lexus. The settlement amount could set the bar for the other wrongful death and defective product lawsuits currently pending against Toyota.
Earlier this year, ABC News reported that 39 deaths have been blamed on unintended acceleration in Toyotas, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reportedly received at least 2,500 complaints about suddenly accelerating Toyotas since 1970.
If you or a family member has experienced an injury or death as the result of a defective automobile or defective automobile component, the Jacksonville product liability attorneys at Farah & Farah would like to help you get started finding some answers and seeking compensation to cover your medical bills and lost wages.
