Trapped with Acceleration

I was encouraged to read about the recent decision by Toyota to halt production and sales of several defective models.  The autos in question accelerate unintentionally causing property damage as well as loss of life.

It is encouraging to see that the auto maker is willing to publicly admit failure and risk severe financial ramifications by halting sales.  It almost makes me think big business has a conscience.  Until of course you read further into it and find that this particular car problem has been going on for several years.  That people who have experienced this defect were basically touted as blundering fools who didn't realize they hit the gas pedal.  At least it is being addressed now.

But consider the effect of such a severe quality assurance issue.  First the dealers who are unable to push these usually high selling cars in an already tight economy, are strapped. Then you have the auto workers who will inevitably be laid off when about 5 US assembly plants stop production. Whether  US auto companies or foreign auto companies are involved, we are all affected.

How could such a dangerous defect pass the proving grounds and be allowed to linger?  I can't help thinking that the need to make bigger profits and the unending focus on better efficiency, is hurting quality.  I used to work with General Motors and Nissan (as clients) and recognize the unbelievable costs involved in product testing.  But isn't that where the money should go?  Or should it be dumped into 30 sec ad spots during the Super Bowl?

My husband drives a Lexus and has been complaining for the past year about the car taking off without his involvement.  He has been told it is a mat problem, only after the first few times of being addressed as an imaginative crazy person.  So what do we do?  Give up on Lexus?  We are running out of luxury car companies that earn confidence.  Sure we can buy a new car, but what's to ensure quality of that vehicle.

I am scared.