Toyota has made safety of their vehicles top priority and this is something we cannot argue with.  Everyone needs access to a vehicle that provides safety, especially in a time when the safety features are constantly changing and being upgraded with all the wonderful technology available at our fingertips.

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Autos that have a hybrid, electric car or similar badge are in the spotlight these days.  As people want to rely less on gas, go easier on the environment, and more, autos of this type are getting more and more popular each day. 

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The past few days we’ve felt the beginnings of some summer heat that we haven’t had the luxury to enjoy for many months!  You can always tell the first few hot and humid days of the year: people frantically turn on air conditioning and get their home water systems ready for the children to enjoy.

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The recent tsunami and nuclear disasters that have stricken the country of Japan are something most of us cannot even imagine being a part of.  People have lost their homes, relatives, friends, and so much more.  Perhaps some of you here in Central Illinois were personally affected, or knew someone who was, by these terrible events?

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With the cost of gasoline inching towards the $4/gallon mark in some areas, the idea of an auto that has less dependency on gasoline to run is very appealing, even to those drivers who swore they’d never consider a hybrid or electric auto.

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After nearly a year of extensive research and evaluation, the government has released some good news.  This is news everyone, from those who sell models to loyal customers, should be delighted to hear.

Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood, recently announced that after very thorough testing, the sticky pedal situation that Toyota has been dealing with over the past year was in no way controlled by any flaws in the autos’ electronic-based systems.  This could not come at a better time, as Toyota has predicted high sales for 2011 and is in full swing with plenty of new autos, such as the 2011 Toyota Camry Danville shoppers can test drive today at O’Brien Toyota of Urbana.

How was the conclusion found?

Toyota has been working tirelessly with the NHTSA and NASA to have the systems that control the acceleration pedal tested.  NASA conducted electromagnetic testing on vehicles as well as in-depth analysis of over 280,000 software codes to make it’s scientific conclusion.  They found no direct link between the software and sudden acceleration reported by some drivers.  Officials from both NHTSA and NASA state that trapped floor mats and acceleration pedals sticking are the two main causes for the reported problem.  Also, human error was cited in certain cases where the driver did not operate the acceleration properly.

Toyota’s Commitment to Safety

In light of the many-month investigation and the recalls that headlined the news in 2010, Toyota has spent much time and money to reinforce their stance on the importance of safe autos.  Here are some steps that they’ve taken:

• More education for company employees on safety issues and it’s importance in Toyota vehicles
• Quicker recall of vehicles in wake of reported problems that might arise
• Investment of $50 million into a safety center in Michigan
• Star Safety System is now standard across the board for all new models.  This includes the following:  Brake Assist, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Anti-Lock Brake System, Traction Control and Vehicle Stability Control

Those of us here at your dealership for new and Urbana used cars with the Toyota badge are thrilled to hear this news.  Toyota is committed to safety and we’re here to answer any questions you might have on safety systems found on the model you want to purchase!