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Friday, June 27, 2014

Car of the Future’ Is Here. Now.

 

Toyota Shows Production Fuel Cell Vehicle; Previews Mobility’s Future at 2014 Aspen Ideas Festival

Toyota’s Driver Awareness Research Vehicle, DARV 1.5, demonstrating ways for the car and driver to share tasks and reduce distraction
 
ASPEN, Colo., June 27, 2014 – Driving helps make lives safer, greener and more convenient at Toyota’s “Experience the Future of Mobility” exhibit, open now at the 2014 Aspen Ideas Festival. Toyota is staging the North American debut of its “Car of the Future” at the annual conference. Unveiled earlier this week at a press conference in Japan, the zero-emission hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV) will be available for sale to customers in California in summer 2015.

True to the Festival’s 2014 focus on imagining the future, the Toyota FCV is an important step forward for zero-emission vehicle technology. An electric-drive, mid-size, four-door sedan, the vehicle won’t require customers to compromise on safety, price or performance. Instead, the FCV will travel approximately 300 miles on a single fill-up of hydrogen, which takes less than five minutes.

In addition, Toyota is taking steps to ensure that owners of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles will be able to fill their tanks, no matter what brand is on the hood. In May, the company announced it had entered a financial relationship with FirstElement Fuels to support the long-term operation and maintenance of 19 new hydrogen refueling stations in California.

“Our society is on the cusp of a revolution in personal mobility,” said Osamu Nagata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America. “Slowly but surely, new technologies are changing how we think about automobiles and transportation -- from intelligent, automated systems that team up with drivers to improve safety, to zero-emission vehicles that emit nothing but water vapor. These technologies will help save lives, improve the environment, create jobs and help the U.S. maintain technical leadership in a field that is an important contributor to economic growth.”

Nagata will discuss the company’s vision for the future of mobility on the Festival’s main stage on June 28 during a one-on-one interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Financial Columnist, Editor-at-Large, New York Times; Co-anchor, CNBC’s “Squawk Box.”

In addition to the FCV, Toyota is presenting a comprehensive vision for the Future of Mobility with an interactive exhibit that brings to life emerging automated vehicle technologies and cutting-edge safety research.

The display includes a preview of the Toyota’s newest generation Driver Awareness Research Vehicle (DARV 1.5), part of the company’s ongoing research into the dynamics of driver distraction at the Collaborative Safety Research Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Toyota DARV 1.5 uses advanced technology, including Microsoft's Surface and Kinect and custom biometric software and algorithms by Infosys, to help driver, passengers and the vehicle itself work together as a team to achieve safer driving.

The technology allows for features such as “driver lock-in,” which tracks the driver’s body frame and automatically enables or disables features based upon who is interacting with the navigation panel. The Toyota research vehicle also explores new ways to use emerging wearable devices, such as smart watches, to control key vehicle functions in an effort to understand the potential impact of these devices on auto safety. In addition, the Toyota DARV 1.5 looks at new ways to create a safer driving environment by measuring driver behavior and providing a driving “score” based on safe driving choices.

Aspen Ideas Festival attendees will also experience:
  
  • A large interactive wall that uses image capture to display the activity of visitors moving about the exhibit, while sharing how next-generation automated safety technologies will team up with drivers to improve safety;
 
  • Educational information about the technologies, a fueling station to enjoy pour-over coffee, and outdoor living room relaxation area.

Toyota is a presenting underwriter of the tenth annual Aspen Ideas Festival, the nation's premier, public gathering place for leaders from around the globe and across many disciplines to engage in deep and inquisitive discussion of the ideas and issues that both shape our lives and challenge our times.
 
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM), the world's top automaker and creator of the Prius, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota, Lexus and Scion brands. Over the past 50 years, we’ve built more than 25 million cars and trucks in North America, where we operate 14 manufacturing plants (10 in the U.S.) and directly employ more than 40,000 people (more than 32,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (1,500 in the U.S.) sold more than 2.5 million cars and trucks (more than 2.2 million in the U.S.) in 2013 – and about 80 percent of all Toyota vehicles sold over the past 20 years are still on the road today.

Monday, June 23, 2014

Recalls for June 23, 2014

Good morning everyone.  Happy Monday!

We start the week with a substantial list of recalls from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  As usual issues include possible fires, brake and steering trouble and some not so common problems such as exhaust system trouble that might cause fire or asphyxiation. 

Other common issues include fastener failures, short circuits, air bag trouble and failed hoses that could result in burns.

Please.  If your vehicle is affected by a recall have it repaired as quickly as possible.

Have a great week!     


Please click on the following NHTSA Campaign ID links to view the recall information.

NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Pierce Manufacturing
Make / Model Years :
PIERCE / 2013
Subject :
Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Supreme Corporation
Make / Model Years :
STARTRANS / 2013
SUPREME / 2013
Subject :
Wheelchair Lift Armored Pendant Cable Shortcircuit
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Thor Motor Coach
Make / Model Years :
THOR MOTOR COACH / 2014-2015
Subject :
Generator Exhaust Routing (Fire/Asphyxiation)
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Stoughton Trailers, LLC
Make / Model Years :
STOUGHTON / 2014
Subject :
Trailer Suspension Pivot Bolt Failure
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Make / Model Years :
LEXUS / 2013
Subject :
Brake Pedal Load Sensing Switch Failure
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Mazda North American Operations
Make / Model Years :
MAZDA / 2008-2011
Subject :
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Kia Motors Corporation
Make / Model Years :
KIA / 2014
Subject :
19" Non-Chrome Wheel Fracture
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :
BUICK / 2013
CHEVROLET / 2013
Subject :
Passenger Front Air Bag Inflator Failure
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :
CHEVROLET / 2014
Subject :
Electrical Short Circuit may Disable Air Bags
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :
BUICK / 2012
CHEVROLET / 2012
Subject :
Driver Side Frontal Air Bag May Not Deploy
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :
CHEVROLET / 2014-2015
GMC / 2014-2015
Subject :
Absence of Warning Chimes/FMVSS 114, 208
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Blue Bird Body Company
Make / Model Years :
BLUE BIRD / 2008-2013
Subject :
Heater Hose may Rupture Resulting in Burns
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Blue Bird Body Company
Make / Model Years :
BLUE BIRD / 2008-2013
Subject :
Heater Hose may Rupture Resulting in Burns
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :
CHEVROLET / 2012
Subject :
Transmission Turbine Shaft Fracture
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
General Motors LLC
Make / Model Years :
BUICK / 2014
Subject :
Wire Splice may Corrode and Break/FMVSS 114, 118

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Eyes on the Road


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Monday, June 16, 2014

Recalls for June 16, 2014

Happy Monday everyone!  In the Chicago area summer temperatures and humidity have arrived.  Make sure the cooling system in your car is up to the challenge.  Overheating an engine can ruin it in seconds.

Despite summer's heat the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued new recalls. Although the list is short the issues are important and could cause property damage, injury or worse.
    
If your vehicle is affected by a recall, please have your vehicle repaired as quickly as possible.  We want you to have a safe and fun summer. 

Please click on the following NHTSA Campaign ID links to view the recall information.

NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Make / Model Years :
HONDA / 2013
Subject :
Passenger Side Driveshaft Failure
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Make / Model Years :
LEXUS / 2002-2004
PONTIAC / 2003-2004
TOYOTA / 2002-2004
Subject :
Passenger Side Front Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Recalls for June 10, 2014

Happy Tuesday everyone. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced several new recalls.  Issues this week include short circuits, loose wheel lug nuts,  electrical fires, broken steps, software issues, unintended acceleration problems and more.

Please review the list of recalls.  If your vehicle is affected please have it repaired as quickly as possible.

To learn more about these recalls click on the NHTSA ID number listed with each recall summary.


NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Coach and Equipment Mfg Corp.
Make / Model Years :
COACH AND EQUIPMENT / 2013
Subject :
Wheelchair Lift Armored Pendant Cable Shortcircuit
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Nissan North America, Inc.
Make / Model Years :
INFINITI / 2014
NISSAN / 2014
Subject :
One Lug Nut per Right Side Wheel may be Loose
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
HME, Inc.
Make / Model Years :
FERRARA / 2013
Subject :
Seat Belt may be Difficult to Unlatch/FMVSS 209
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Federal Coach, LLC
Make / Model Years :
FEDERAL COACH / 2010
Subject :
Electric Door Actuator May Lead to Fire
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Mobility Works (WMK Inc.)
Make / Model Years :
FORD / 2013-2014
Subject :
Wheelchair Lift Armored Pendant Cable Shortcircuit
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Keystone RV Company
Make / Model Years :
KEYSTONE / 2014
Subject :
Interior Steps May Fracture
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Chrysler Group LLC
Make / Model Years :
FIAT / 2013-2014
Subject :
Coolant Leak in Power Inverter may Cause Stall
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Turtle Top
Make / Model Years :
TURTLE TOP / 2013
Subject :
Wheelchair Lift Armored Pendant Cable Shortcircuit
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Trans Tech Bus
Make / Model Years :
TRANS TECH / 2013
Subject :
Wheelchair Lift Armored Pendant Cable Shortcircuit
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Make / Model Years :
TOYOTA / 2014
Subject :
Improper Seat Belt Restraint Software/FMVSS 208
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Ford Motor Company
Make / Model Years :
FORD / 2008-2011
MERCURY / 2008-2011
Subject :
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Ford Motor Company
Make / Model Years :
FORD / 2010-2014
Subject :
Water Intrusion may cause License Plate Lamp Fire
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Ford Motor Company
Make / Model Years :
FORD / 2011-2013
Subject :
Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Chrysler Group LLC
Make / Model Years :
DODGE / 2014
JEEP / 2014
Subject :
Cruise Control Unintended Continued Acceleration
NHTSA Campaign ID Number :
Manufacturer :
Chrysler Group LLC
Make / Model Years :
RAM / 2014
Subject :
Water Seepage Causing Circuit Corrosion