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Toyota Voluntary Recalls Vehicles for Safety Issues
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), January 26, 2010 - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. said that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.
In an announcement, Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter said, "Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company. This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible."
Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 RAV4, 2009-2010 Corolla, 2009-2010 Matrix, 2005-2010 Avalon, Certain 2007-2010 Camry, 2010 Highlander, 2007-2010 Tundra, 2008-2010 Sequoia
No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
Federal Ban on Texting for Commercial Truck Drivers Takes Effect
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), January 26, 2010 - U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The prohibition is effective immediately and is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Department to combat distracted driving since the Secretary convened a national summit on the issue last September.
"We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe," said Secretary LaHood. "This is an important safety step and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving."
The action is the result of the Department's interpretation of standing rules. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.
"Our regulations will help prevent unsafe activity within the cab," said Anne Ferro, Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). "We want to make it crystal clear to operators and their employers that texting while driving is the type of unsafe activity that these regulations are intended to prohibit."
The one-of-a-kind model 2011 Mustang GT will feature a special Daytona 500 paint scheme, Ford Racing suspension, strut tower brace and mufflers, unique painted wheels, and special interior treatment, including specially branded lit sill plates. Photo courtesy Ford Motor Company
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'The Great American Race' to Feature Ford Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), January 24, 2010 - For the first time in 40 years, a Ford Motor Company car will be pacing the field for the NASCAR season-opening Daytona 500 when the 2011 Mustang GT, powered by the all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine, officially starts the race on Feb. 14 at Daytona International Speedway.
"Having the opportunity to pace America's biggest auto race with a Ford icon like the 2011 Mustang GT is truly an honor," said Jamie Allison, director, Ford North America Motorsports. "And to have the new 5.0-liter engine powering the car will be a great way to demonstrate its power and class-leading fuel economy."
This latest version of Ford's legendary muscle car will be a Race Red glass roof coupe with an all-new 5.0-liter V-8 engine capable of producing 412 horsepower, while delivering a class-leading 25 mpg on the highway.
The 2011 Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car model is one of only 50 special editions that will be built and sold to the public.
"Everybody loves Mustang," Allison continued. "That was evident last year from the fan reaction when we announced it was going to be our new model in the NASCAR Nationwide Series starting later this year. This is just another way to showcase a true American icon in its most natural environment."
The last time a Ford served as pace car for the Daytona 500 was 1970 when a Ford Torino GT convertible led the field to the green flag.
And while Mustang may be a rookie when it comes to pacing the Daytona 500, its 45-year history is firmly entrenched in racing and winning championships. Mustang captured championships last year in the Grand-Am KONI and SCCA SPEED World Challenge, in addition to leading Robert Hight to his first NHRA Funny Car championship.
The Mustang GT Daytona 500 Pace Car was auctioned offered at the annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Collector Car Auction, January 23, in Scottsdale, Ariz. Seven-time Daytona 500 champion Richard Petty, the newest member of the Ford Racing family, was on site to help hand over the car to the winning bidder of $330,000.
All proceeds over the manufacturer's suggested retail price from the pace car auction will go to help cure childhood diabetes through a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Missouri Governor Nixon Makes Sales Pitch to Ford Motor Co
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), January 24, 2010 - Gov. Jay Nixon issued the following statement after he met Friday in Detroit with Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Ford Motor Co. With the Governor was his director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development, David Kerr, and his director of policy, Jeff Harris.
"Our meeting today in Detroit was an opportunity to sit down with Mr. Mulally and other leaders of Ford to tell them again that Missouri provides several advantages when it comes to producing the energy-efficient, quality vehicles that American drivers want," Gov. Nixon said.
"We have a central location in the U.S., we have a rich automotive industry history and, most importantly, we have a workforce of highly skilled and motivated autoworkers. Because of our fiscally conservative actions in today's economy, Missouri has been pegged as one of the states to lead the nation's recovery. I look forward to continued discussions with the leaders of Ford on how Missouri will be an important part of the company's future."
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New-Vehicle Retail Sales off to a Slow Start in January
ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), January 24, 2010 - The new-vehicle retail selling rate in January is expected to decline compared with both December 2009 and one year ago, according to J.D. Power and Associates, which gathers real-time transaction data from more than 8,900 franchisees across the United States.
January new-vehicle retail sales are expected to come in at 500,900 units, which represents a seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) of 7.9 million units, compared with 8.8 million units in January 2009. This month's selling rate is down from 8.9 million units in December 2009--one of the stronger sales months in 2009, in part due to robust marketing and incentive programs.
"January is typically a weak selling month, but this month is particularly impacted by December's strong close and extra selling weekend," said Jeff Schuster, executive director of global forecasting at J.D. Power and Associates. "However, the sales pace has been improving as January continues, which is an encouraging sign for the recovering industry."
Fleet sales are expected to increase substantially from January 2009, which marked the lowest fleet level last year. As a result, total sales for January 2010 are projected to come in at 659,000 units, up 9 percent from January 2009. The January SAAR for total light-vehicle sales is expected to increase to 10.1 million units, compared with 9.6 million units one year ago.
J.D. Power and Associates is maintaining its 2010 forecast at 11.5 million units for total sales and 9.5 million units for retail sales. However, with improved leasing availability, loosening credit and healthier economic conditions, the industry's recovery could be more pronounced.
Vehicle inventory is currently at a 53-day supply, compared with 94 days in January 2009. The improved inventory level, combined with growing demand, is leading to increases in North American vehicle production in the first quarter of 2010. Production is expected to increase by nearly 70 percent to 2.8 million units during the first three months of 2010, compared with 1.7 million units during the same period one year ago.
"While North American production remains well below historic levels, the near-term boost will provide much-needed support to the automotive supply base," said Schuster. "Year-over-year increases are expected to continue throughout 2010, resulting in a projected 2 million-unit increase, compared with 2009 levels."
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