Toyota to upgrade brake software in three more models
- Source: Xinhua
- [17:31 February 23 2010]
- Comments
2007 Toyota Camry XLE V6
Toyota Motor Sales announced on Monday that it will upgrade the brake software of three more models.
The company, based in Torrance, California, made the announcement one day before the US congressional hearings, which will investigate the sudden acceleration of Toyota's vehicles.
After the upgrade, the braking system will automatically reduce engine power when the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal are applied simultaneously under certain driving conditions, according to the company.
"Expansion of this brake override feature underscores Toyota's commitment to building the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road -- and to ensuring that our customers have complete confidence in the vehicles they drive," said Jim Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales.
The additional vehicles to receive the upgrade include the 2005-2010 model year Tacoma pickups, the 2009-2010 Venza wagons and the 2008-2010 Sequoia sport utility vehicles.
Toyota previously announced it would install the system in 2007-2010 Camrys; 2005-2010 Avalons; 2007-2010 Lexus ES 350s; 2006-2010 IS 350s; and all 2006-2010 IS 250 models.
The brake override feature is not an integral part of the recall remedy, but is instead being added as an extra measure of confidence for Toyota owners, the company said.
It will be installed in Tacoma and Venza models at the same time as the recall modifications are performed.
Notifications to customers regarding brake override installation for Sequoia will be sent separately from the current recall campaign for sticking accelerator pedals.
In addition to upgrades on existing vehicles, this feature is scheduled to be incorporated into future new productions of most models sold in the United States by the end of the year, according to the company.
Toyota has announced recalls of six million Toyota cars and trucks for alleged problems related to unintended acceleration, prompting US lawmakers to launch an investigation.
