As everyone is no doubt aware, Toyota has recently recalled over 2 million vehicles for an issue with gas pedals and 3.8 million vehicles over floor mats. Toyota’s CEO, Akio Toyoda, was also called to Washington for questioning over the recalls. It has been all over the media; a very high profile issue for Toyota which prides itself on safety.
But there’s something that doesn’t seem right: why is Toyota getting so much attention for this? In October 2009, Ford had to recall 4.5 million vehicles due to the fact that they could catch fire (faulty cruise control switches). This recall is linked to 550 separate incidents and it’s not a new problem; Ford, over the past decade, has recalled over 14 million vehicles in 8 separate recalls related to cruise control switches catching fire. Since 2008 alone, Ford has recalled over 14 million vehicles for various issues. But the media mentions next to nothing about Ford’s safety problems and recalls.
Where are the congressional hearings for Ford? It’s quite clear that Ford has a problem with cruise control switches and the results aren’t pretty. But a few floor mats and (made in USA) pedals in Toyotas and we have a media storm.
Of course, the US Government owns a large portion of American car companies and also happen to now be a good source of bad press for Toyota. An opportunity has arisen! Coincidence? Your call.
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