While it tries to get a handle on the source of the problem that is sending its customers speeding in unintended accelerations and having trouble braking, Toyota plans to stop production at two U.S. plants.
No workers will be suspended, largely a cultural consideration of Japan, but the plants to shut temporarily are located in Kentucky and Texas. CNN Money reports that Toyota plans to adjust its production levels it says. That follows the rapid production of popular models that are increasingly being recalled because of braking problems and acceleration. Consider this largely a business decision as Toyota does not want its dealers to be stuck with a large inventory of unsold vehicles.
The Camry is made in the Kentucky plant and the Texas plant makes the Tundra pickup trucks. That plant will be modified to make the Tacoma trucks.
Still unresolved is the reason for the recall of more than 8.1 million vehicles. Toyota has apologized and promises to fix the problem, but the question remains- does Toyota really believe that redesigning the pedal and fixing floor mats is the only problem, if the problem at all? Increasingly, the electronics of the Toyota commandeered by the computer system are being looked at as a possible cause.
Consumer Complaints
Meanwhile, the number of consumer complaints has shot up to into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which believes a total of 34 fatalities may be due to defective automobiles, namely Toyotas. That has sales eroding 16 percent in January when compared to a year earlier. Expect to see an aggressive Toyota ad campaign thanking customers for their loyalty and offering unprecedented incentives to lure customers back.
The appearance of the company’s president and chief operating officer in front of two House committees next week and a Senate committee in March.
If you have been injured in a Toyota or experienced any unexplained acceleration or braking problems, do not drive the vehicle and get it into the dealership for a “fix” if is recalled. That may be the only way to preserve your rights if the car has a problem. An experienced Florida accident attorney can help you through the difficult process of litigation, especially when the company is denying that it may have a defective product
