Autoblog

Toyota says Auris isn't the next Matrix

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:26:00 EST

A replacement for the Toyota Matrix is indeed long overdue, but according to Automotive News, a successor to the Japanese automaker's tall hatchback won't be found in the new 2013 Auris hatchback.

Hiroya Fujita, chief engineer of the Matrix and the Japanese-spec Corolla, says that Toyota has no plans to offer the Auris in the United States, citing that demand for hatchbacks in the U.S. is still too weak. (Or is it?) Automotive News reports that Fujita declined to comment on a replacement for the Matrix, which still rides on the old MC platform that has underpinned the last three generations of Corolla models.

A brand new Corolla is in the pipeline for the U.S., but with no certain future for the Matrix in sight, AN suggests that Toyota's larger five-door may simply die.

Toyota says Auris isn't the next Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Court rules woman can sue Toyota for pranking her

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, Toyota

Anyone out there interested in having a crazy stalker? How about if that stalker had personal information such as your home address, email and phone number? Nope, doesn't sound like much fun to us, either. That's exactly what happened to Amber Duick, a woman from California who claims she was duped into signing up for a five-day stalking, courtesy of the marketing team at Saatchi & Saatchi, on behalf of Toyota.

One of Amber's so-called friends decided it would be funny if she had an online stalker, so he forwarded her an email for a "personality test" that was actually an application to be punked. It was all part of a campaign in 2009 for the Toyota Matrix called "Your Other You."

Duick's made-up "stalker" was named Sebastian Bowler, a 25-year-old soccer fanatic from England with a drinking problem and a pit bull named Trigger. According to a series of emails sent to Duick, Bowler was on his way to her home and planned to sleep on her couch for a few nights after running into problems with the law. Eventually, Duick was informed via an emailed video link that she was being pranked.

Haha, very funny.

Duick sued. Toyota moved to dismiss the case, claiming that Duick had, perhaps unintentionally, agreed to be a part of the campaign by filling out the aforementioned fake personality test. Part of her consent was agreeing that any disputes would be handled outside of court in arbitration, but, a California Appellate judge recently disagreed, ruling that the agreement was invalid because Duick was enticed to sign it under false pretenses. That means the case has cleared its last hurdle before going to trial where Duick is seeking $10 million in damages. Not so funny now, eh?

Court rules woman can sue Toyota for pranking her originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Despite being big in Canada, Toyota Matrix future unsure

Zach Bowman — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Toyota, Canada

2011 Toyota Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota may not invest in a next-generation version of the company's Matrix when the 2013 Corolla arrives. According to Ward's Auto, the hatchback's sales have fallen off of a cliff, with just 14,592 deliveries last year. That's down from a height of 66,836 units in 2002. But that's just here in the typically hatch-averse United States. In Canada, the Matrix is still kicking in teeth, though the Corolla still outsells its long-roof twin by more than twice the volume.

While there's been some speculation that the upcoming compact Prius variant will supplant the Matrix in the Toyota family tree, Bob Carter, Toyota's Group Vice President and General Manager, says that the two vehicles are expected to appeal to vastly different audiences.

Still, we have to think that Toyota would be wise to invest a little coin in the aging Matrix when the Corolla gets a revamp in a few years. American buyers seem to be slowly warming to the idea of hatches and wagons, and competitors from Hyundai to Ford are all offering five-door variants. As Ward's Auto points out, 43 percent of 2012 Focus sales have been hatchbacks to date.

Despite being big in Canada, Toyota Matrix future unsure originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chicago 2011: 2011 Toyota Matrix is... umm... sorta refreshed?

Michael Harley — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:39:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Toyota

2011 Toyota Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Look very closely and you may notice the subtle changes Toyota has made to its Matrix for the 2011 model year. If your eyes are still failing you (as were ours at first glance), we'll point them all out. There are new wheels across the board, Smart Stop technology has been added to curb pedal misapplication complications, and the automaker's "Toyota Care" complimentary maintenance plan is now standard. That wasn't too difficult, was it?

As was the case last year, the 2011 Matrix is again offered in Base and S trim levels with a standard 1.8-liter four-cylinder (132 horsepower) or a more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder (158 horsepower). The standard powertrain is front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive optional on the higher trim level with the larger engine. Those seeking a bit more driving excitement (well, at least visual excitement) need to add the optional Sport Package to their S model, as it adds 17-inch alloy wheels, underbody spoilers, and a painted rear spoiler. Oh, we almost forgot... a new color, called Spruce Mica, joins the exterior palate for 2011.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Matrix: Chicago 2011

Chicago 2011: 2011 Toyota Matrix is... umm... sorta refreshed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Hatchback, Toyota

2011 Toyota Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota will not be having a formal press conference at this week's Chicago Auto Show, but the automaker will still have something fresh on its stand. The 2011 Matrix hatchback has officially bowed, with a slightly retouched exterior (new wheels, different paint choices, etc.), a touched-up interior with a new steering wheel and seat fabrics, and a new standard brake-override system called Smart Stop.

The 2011 Matrix is only available in two trim levels - base and S - and is powered by either a 132-horsepower 1.8-liter or 158-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Transmission choices include a four- or five-speed automatic, as well as a five-speed manual, and all-wheel drive is available on the Matrix S when paired with the 2.4-liter powerplant.

New sport packages are available for both Matrix trims, with the S Sport Package incorporating things like 17-inch alloy wheels, front and rear underbody spoilers, a roof-mounted rear spoiler and, of course, 'S' badging. Pricing has not been released for the 2011 Matrix as of this writing, but we expect the starting MSRP to be just under $17,000. Follow the jump for the official details.

Gallery: 2011 Toyota Matrix

[Source: Toyota]

Continue reading Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago

Toyota debuts modestly refreshed 2011 Matrix in Chicago originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has been in the hot seat this year for its high-volume safety recalls, has issued yet another action that covers its 2005-2008 model year Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks. Approximately 1.13 million vehicles are affected by a problem which could cause the 1ZZ-FE 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine to stall. Three accidents have been reported thus far, though Toyota hasn't confirmed that these incidents were indeed caused by this engine stalling issue.

To fix this problem, Toyota will replace the engine control modules on the recalled vehicles starting in mid-September. Owners will be notified by mail in the coming weeks and the service will be provided at no charge.

This is not the first time this year that the Corolla and Matrix have been the subject of safety issues. In early 2010, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration investigated almost 750,000 2009 and 2010 model year vehicles for a potential steering issue, and Toyota provided a free fix for customers. An official recall was not issued, though, as Toyota maintains that this problem is not a safety concern.

Follow the jump to read Toyota's official press release.

*UPDATE: We mustn't forget that the Pontiac Vibe is built on the same architecture as the Corolla/Matrix, and General Motors has just issued a press release (available after the jump) stating that certain 2005-2008 model year Vibes are being recalled for this same issue.

Gallery: 2005-2008 Toyota Corolla/Matrix

[Sources: Toyota, AOL Autos, General Motors]

Continue reading Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE

Official: Toyota recalling 1.1M Corolla and Matrix models over stalling fears *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 14:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. intensifies investigation into Toyota Corolla stalling

Zach Bowman — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Hatchback, Toyota

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is intensifying its investigation into stalling Toyota Corolla models. According to the Associated Press, the agency has opened what it calls an engineering analysis into 1.8 million Corolla and Matrix models sold between 2005 and 2007. So far, NHTSA has received around 163 complaints about stalling in those vehicles, and the government seems to believe the problem may be due to a faulty coating on the vehicle's circuit boards. It's also possible that a crack could develop in a particular glass coating in the vehicle.

NHTSA hasn't gone so far as to issue a recall in this particular case as its research into the problem is ongoing. Previously, investigators were only looking into Corolla and Matrix models produced in 2006, though the recent expansion indicates that the issue may be more widespread than previously believed.

Last we heard, Toyota was considering a voluntary fix for the problem, though since then nothing has come up in terms of a proposed solution from the carmaker. Back in March, NHTSA said that the problem doesn't pose any danger to drivers.

[Source: Associated Press]

U.S. intensifies investigation into Toyota Corolla stalling originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota reportedly subpoenaed for steering rod documents

Chris Shunk — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Automotive News reports that a federal grand jury in New York has subpoenaed Toyota for documentation related to a component in the steering mechanism of some of its vehicles. The company announced that the subpoena came on June 29, but isn't yet saying publicly which vehicles are involved with the issue.

What we do know is that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated an investigation in February of 749,685 2009 and 2010 model year Corolla and Matrix vehicles for a potential steering issue. Toyota has received 437 reports, including 11 injuries and 18 crashes, since 2008, and NHTSA has received 168 complaints. In affected Corolla and Matrix models the electric power steering units are reportedly prone to drifting or locking up, with the problem most notable when cruising at highway speeds. The Japanese automaker has stated publicly that the issue is not a safety recall, though it intends to service the vehicles of Corolla and Matrix owners who say they have an issue. NHTSA still has not revealed the results of it's investigation.

This subpoena is the third Toyota has received so far in 2010, with the first coming in February due to unintended acceleration issues and the second from the Michigan Attorney General for recall issues in March. Toyota has recalled 10.8 million vehicles worldwide for acceleration-related issues.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Toyota reportedly subpoenaed for steering rod documents originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota to fix over 700,000 RAV4 and Matrix models outside of recall

Zach Bowman — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

2009 Toyota Corolla XRS - Click above for high-res image gallery

Toyota has announced that it will voluntarily repair a number of issues that have arisen with 2001-2003 RAV4 crossovers as well as certain 2009-2010 Matrix and Corolla vehicles. According to Reuters, around 235,500 RAV4 models will be repaired outside of a recall for a "hard shift" problem. Owners have complained that under certain circumstances, the vehicle's transmission would either abruptly shift or otherwise fail to change gears properly. The culprit is typically a faulty engine control module, though in some cases, damage to the transmission may lead to outright replacement. Owners who have previously had to pay for this work out of pocket can apply for reimbursement.

Meanwhile, around 500,000 Matrix and Corolla models will be serviced for "steering drift." The company hasn't exactly elaborated on what that means, but as we first reported yesterday,Toyota hasn't issued a recall because the automaker says that the issue doesn't pose a danger to the vehicle's occupants - this, despite reports of 18 crashes and 11 injuries. Instead, the Japanese manufacturer has labeled the steering problem a customer satisfaction issue. Like the RAV4, owners can have a fix performed free of charge.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Toyota Corolla XRS

Photos by Dan Roth / Copyright (C)2008 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Reuters]

Report: Toyota to fix over 700,000 RAV4 and Matrix models outside of recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota says Corolla/Matrix steering issue not a defect, will offer fix to complainers

Chris Shunk — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

2009-2010 Toyota Matrix - click above for high-res image gallery

Back in February, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiated an investigation of 749,685 2009 and 2010 model year Corolla and Matrix vehicles for a potential steering issue. And while we haven't heard much from the government agency regarding this issue, the Detroit Free Press reports that Toyota has indicated that the problem is not a safety defect and thus doesn't warrant a recall. Instead, the automaker will provide a free fix to customers who claim to have an issue.

NHTSA reportedly launched the investigation after 168 reports that Corolla and Matrix electric power steering units were prone to drifting or locking up, with the problem most notable when cruising at highway speeds. Toyota has reportedly told the Free Press that it has collected a total of 437 reports, including 11 injuries and 18 crashes. Further, the automaker has been receiving complaints about this issue since 2008. Spokesperson Brian Lyons reportedly tells the Freep that the majority of issues involve wandering from the dead-ahead steering position and that the company considers the problem a customer satisfaction issue, not a defect.

To address customer concerns, Toyota has sent a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to its dealers advising technicians to check tire pressure and alignment. If that doesn't fix the problem, the next step is to replace the computer that governs the electric power steering with a new unit that has been re-tuned with a different steering feel.

Not classifying the Corolla/Matrix issues as a safety defect figures to save the Japanese company a lot of cash that would be tied up in a recall. Toyota will also avoid having to update regulators, who were informed of its decision to forgo recall proceedings way back in May. NHTSA hasn't publicly said anything since the Toyota proclamation and the investigation is reportedly still ongoing. With 11 injuries, 18 crashes and hundreds of reported problems, we're very interested to see if NHTSA ultimately agrees with Toyota on this one, or if the situation will eventually result in another recall and additional bad publicity for the automaker. Likewise, with General Motors having sold its own Matrix twin, the Pontiac Vibe, it presumably faces the same sort of steering issue. If so, it will be interesting to see if the Detroit automaker chooses to address the issue in the same way.

Gallery: 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix

[Source: Detroit Free Press]

Report: Toyota says Corolla/Matrix steering issue not a defect, will offer fix to complainers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Followup: Toyota considering stall fix for 1.2M Corolla and Matrix models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, Toyota

Are you tired of hearing about Toyota recalls and safety concerns? If that's the case, we must regrettably inform you that there's an update to note on a previously reported issue, this one potentially affecting some 1.2 million Corolla and Matrix models from 2005, 2006 and 2007. This issue concerns a possible defect that may cause affected vehicles to stall due to a failure in the engine's electronic control unit. At this time, Reuters reports, this is not a recall, just an investigation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration first began investigating the problem back in November of last year, and up to that point, the government agency had received 26 such complaints. Apparently, there's no rhyme or reason as to when the cars will stall out, and it can happen at any speed, even at a steady cruise on the highway or through an intersection.

According to a letter sent as a response to a query from NHTSA, Toyota is suggesting that this particular issue doesn't create "an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety," calling the problem more of an inconvenience to owners. NHTSA says Toyota even issued a bulletin back in September of 2007 to dealers outlining a fix to replace the ECU with an improved model.

For what it's worth, we'd wager that electronic gremlins are the very last thing Toyota wants the public to hear about right about now in the wake of recalling some 8.5 million vehicles so far this year, most of which were to address potential mechanical problems with the accelerator pedal and ill-fitting floor mats that can cause cases of unintended acceleration. The automaker has repeatedly ruled out electronic problems as the cause of its sudden acceleration issues.

[Source: Reuters]

Followup: Toyota considering stall fix for 1.2M Corolla and Matrix models originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Consumer Reports may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Toyota

Consumer Reports may be ready to offer a vote of confidence in Toyota, depending on the outcome of the Japanese automaker's current Congressional Hearings on Toyota Safety here in the United States, says CR Senior Director David Champion.

At the end of January as news was starting to pile up regarding reported cases of unintended acceleration and the subsequent recalls of nine Toyota models (totaling 2.3 million vehicles), CR decided to pull its Recommended rating from the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Corolla, Highlander, Matrix (and its twin, the Pontiac Vibe), RAV4, Sequoia and Tundra.

Says Champion, "We're looking at a daily basis at the recalls. We want to be sure that the recalls are being performed." Assuming that Toyota's efforts to repair faulty gas pedals remain on track, it would seem CR has enough faith in the automaker to give back its coveted Recommended ratings.

And what of suggestions that there may be more to Toyota's unintended acceleration woes than faulty floor mats and gas pedals? "We want to see if anything bubbles up from the Senate hearings... A lot of people pointed to the electronics, but I don't see anything at the moment that points to an electronic issue."

Tired of Toyota recall news? Try out the recall-free version of Autoblog.

[Source: AOL Autos | Image: Scott Olson/Getty]

Consumer Reports may restore Toyota "Recommended" ratings next week originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BREAKING: Toyota adds another 1.1M cars to floor mat recall

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Toyota

1/27/10 Toyota pedal entrapment recall vehicles - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you need to announce another recall around the same time a controversial president is making his highly anticipated State of the Union address, you probably won't curse that particular luck. That is exactly what Toyota felt it needed to do, revealing yesterday evening that it's recalling a further 1.1 million cars to fix "pedal entrapment problems" caused by floor mats.

This action is tied to Toyota's largest recall ever last year of 4.26 million cars for the same issue, but is different than the recall of 2.3 million cars for a sticking accelerator announced last week. The new models in question are:

2008-2010 Highlander
2009-2010 Corolla
2009-2010 Venza
2009-2010 Matrix
2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe

Toyota reportedly has a number of fixes planned for all of the issues. Now it will just want the time to be able to focus on fixing them, without any more surprises. Hat tip to JT!

Gallery: Toyota Pedal Entrapment Recall - 1/27/10

[Source: The Detroit News]

BREAKING: Toyota adds another 1.1M cars to floor mat recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota was legally required to stop selling recalled models

John Neff — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Pontiac, Toyota

Toyota has quite the PR nightmare on its hands. The boiling cauldron of complaints surrounding unintended acceleration issues bubbled over this month with two separate but giant recalls. The latest involves eight Toyota models that contain defective accelerator pedal mechanisms that could stick over time due to wear.

There is no fix available for the pedal mechanisms yet and dealers have continued to sell new models affected by the recall, so Toyota announced yesterday that it's suspending the sale and production of these eight models for the week of February 1. It was a bold move that made headlines, as Toyota stands to lose a lot of money. On the other hand, the Japanese automaker got some pats on the back for doing the right thing.

Turns out, the decision to stop producing these vehicles wasn't made by Toyota alone. The Detroit News reports that Toyota is required by law to stop selling the vehicles since there is no fix available yet. David Strickland, the new administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said that Toyota consulted with his agency, which informed the automaker of its obligations and it complied. That still doesn't answer why these recalled vehicles were being sold five days after the recall was announced.

Nevertheless, Toyota spokesman Mike Michels is reported saying that the company's decision to stop selling the recalled vehicles was voluntary, but that they also had a legal requirement to do so. How do you voluntary do something that you're obligated to do?

In related news, General Motors has confirmed to Autoblog's sister site, AOL Autos, that it is putting a hold on all remaining Pontiac Vibe sales, as the model is under recall for the same throttle issue that afflicts its mechanical twin, the Toyota Matrix. Fortunately for GM, there are apparently only six Vibe units left in stock nationwide as the brand's shutdown continues.

Gallery: Toyota Sticky Pedal Recall - 2/26/10

[Sources: The Detroit News, AOL Autos | Image: David McNew/Getty]

Report: Toyota was legally required to stop selling recalled models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Toyota continuing to sell recalled vehicles without a fix

Chris Shunk — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Safety, Toyota

Toyota is in the beginning stages of a new voluntary recall that affects 2.3 million vehicles. The recall involves accelerator pedal mechanisms that could stick due to wear and cause unintended acceleration, though it is technically not related to an earlier, larger recall to fix floor mats on certain Toyota and Lexus models that could also cause accelerator pedals to stick.

The folks over at Kicking Tires spoke with National Manager of Environmental Safety and Quality for Toyota, John Hanson, who revealed that vehicles affected by the recall are still sitting on dealer lots for customers to purchase in spite of their potentially defective accelerator pedal mechanisms. Hanson said the reason that Toyota is letting dealers still sell the vehicles even though they may have to come back in for repair is because the problem tends to appear after extended wear. However, since Toyota doesn't yet have a fix figured out, dealers can reportedly only replace the defective pedal mechanisms with new mechanisms of the same type for now. Hanson is also reportedly unsure about whether or not the vehicles affected by the recall are still being manufactured, but said he thought the lines involved were down.

While it is within the law for Toyota to keep affected vehicles on the lot given the fact that the recall is voluntary, we hope its dealers have enough scruples to inform potential customers about the issue before these vehicles are purchased.

[Source: Kicking Tires | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

Report: Toyota continuing to sell recalled vehicles without a fix originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Don't Forget Me! Pontiac Vibe also included in Toyota recall

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Hatchback, GM, Pontiac, Toyota

Pontiac Vibe - Click above for high-res image gallery

It is easy to forget that among the debris swirling in the tornado of claims against Toyota, the Pontiac Vibe is really a Toyota Matrix. Hence, the Vibe is also included in Toyota's recent recall of 2.3 million vehicles to repair accelerator pedal mechanisms that could stick and cause unintended acceleration.

The Vibe was built at the NUMMI plant in a California. The joint venture between Toyota and General Motors became a victim of last year's industry turmoil. GM pulled out of the partnership last June, and Toyota is reportedly ending production there in March.

GM doesn't yet know how many 2009 and 2010 model Vibes are included in the recall. When it receives details on numbers and the fix from Toyota, customers will be notified and they can get their hatches repaired at Buick-GMC dealerships.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Pontiac Vibe GT

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Don't Forget Me! Pontiac Vibe also included in Toyota recall originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota issues new voluntary recall for sticking accelerator pedals, 2.3 million vehicles affected

John Neff — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Toyota

Toyota has announced a new voluntary recall of approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct "sticking accelerator pedals" on eight specific Toyota models. The recall includes late model versions of the RAV4, Corolla, Matrix, Avalon, Camry, Highlander, Tundra and Sequoia (follow the jump for the list of vehicles including model years). This recall is entirely separate from the one Toyota announced last September, its largest ever at approximately 4.2 million vehicles, involving "pedal entrapment" by floor mats that could cause unintended acceleration. That said, about 1.7 million vehicles out there on the roads are involved in both recalls, though no Lexus or Scion models are involved in the one announced today.

This particular recall addresses complaints by Toyota customers who have experienced unintended acceleration not caused by floor mats jamming the accelerator pedal down. In these cases, which Toyota says are rare, the pedal mechanism could be worn and "become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position."

A class action law suit filed against the automaker last November alleges that Toyota has known about this problem for four years and received 2,000 complaints. It also alleges that sticking accelerator pedals have resulted in 16 deaths and 243 injuries.

Last week, Automotive News reported that Toyota will also begin installing brake override systems in its vehicles beginning with the Toyota Camry and Lexus ES350. These systems would force the engine into idle if they detected the driver was trying to apply the brakes unsuccessfully. With two large recalls and the introduction of brake override systems, Toyota may have finally covered all the bases when it comes to possible causes and solutions for its vehicles potentially taking off on their own. The court of public opinion, however, will decide if it could have moved more quickly doing so.

[Source: Toyota | Image: Stan Honda/AFP/Getty]

Continue reading Toyota issues new voluntary recall for sticking accelerator pedals, 2.3 million vehicles affected

Toyota issues new voluntary recall for sticking accelerator pedals, 2.3 million vehicles affected originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toyota, Hyundai refute report of discontinued models

Chris Paukert — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hyundai, Toyota

2010 Toyota Matrix - Click above for high-res image gallery

In a U.S. News and World Report story distributed via Yahoo dubbed "The 10 Best Discontinued Cars," author Rick Newman spoke with an unnamed analyst at Kelley Blue Book in an effort to help new car shoppers find exceptionally deep discounts on new cars. Here's where it gets hazy: As part of that process, Newman sought to:

"...identify models likely to be discontinued over the next couple of years. For some of these models, the manufacturers have confirmed that the car is being axed; others made the list because of strong indicators that they're being discontinued, such as manufacturing changes or declining shipments to dealers."

Note the word usage of "likely" and "next couple of years" coupled to that very misleading title. To Newman's credit, he notes "unconfirmed" when discussing vehicles that haven't been officially killed off, but to our eyes, the title is misleading and the execution of the list itself strikes us as disingenuous, particularly as it mixes vehicles that have already been officially nixed (Honda S2000, Mercury Sable, Pontiac G8, Saturn Sky, Volkswagen Jetta GLI) with end-of-life models that are likely to be replaced or die out in due time (Chevrolet Colorado, Lexus SC430), as well as nameplates that have been facing declining or slow sales (Toyota Matrix and FJ Cruiser, Hyundai Veracruz). We spoke with Curt McCallister, Toyota's Midwest Public Relations Manager about the fate of the Matrix and FJ Cruiser, and he offered us the following guidance:

"There are no plans to discontinue either model. The Yahoo story is erroneous in that it was based on conjecture from unnamed analysts from Kelley Blue Book. The reporter (Newman) was informed of the factual errors in his story, multiple times yesterday. He was also questioned on why we weren't allowed to confirm or deny these assumptions. It was poor reporting that unfortunately has an Internet reach."

Click through to the jump for the rest of the story, including a comment from Hyundai.

Gallery: 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla Matrix

[Source: U.S. News and World Report via Yahoo]

Continue reading Toyota, Hyundai refute report of discontinued models

Toyota, Hyundai refute report of discontinued models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Toyota sued for pranking woman to sell Matrix

Dan Roth — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:36:00 EST

If you're trying to sell cars, perhaps it's best to not alienate or scare the daylights out of potential customers. Toyota has tried a few new approaches lately, and agency Saatchi & Saatchi may have thought it out-clevered itself with a faux-stalker effort for the Matrix, but it's landed both the agency and the automaker in legal hot water.

Amber Duick, a California woman who was seriously freaked out by a fake stalker named Sebastian Bowler -- no, we're not sure how it was intended to tie in to the Matrix, either -- has asked Toyota for $10 Million in exchange for the hornswoggling she received. Emails from the nonexistent Mr. Bowler so intimidated Ms. Duick that her work suffered and she made her boyfriend sleep with weapons nearby, just in case.

The whole punking came about by her opting in, Toyota's lawyers say -- as in, she asked for it. Sure, says Duick's own attorney, if you count an undecipherable and dubious online personality test forwarded by a friend as an actual opt-in agreement, instead of just a legal fig-leaf. The legal flap is going to take some time for both parties to work out or ride through the court system, but you paranoids out there can rest easy; Saatchi wrapped up this campaign last year, so it's on to some other internet silliness to push the Matrix now. Thanks for the tip, Martin!

[Source: ABC News]

REPORT: Toyota sued for pranking woman to sell Matrix originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find

Chris Tutor — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Chevrolet, Ford, Infiniti, Lexus, Mini, Toyota, Luxury

2010 Audi Q5 - click above for high-res gallery

With many automakers scaling back production to better balance supply with demand, it's not surprising there are several hard-to-find models right now. Forbes Magazine made some calls and did a little research and turned up what they say is the top 12 most difficult to find cars. After the run on high-mileage cars recently, you'd expect to see hybrid models like the Toyota Prius at No. 2 on the list. Tied for second is a car on the other extreme, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both model are spending an average of 18.5 days on dealer lots.

But Forbes says the hardest to find new car recently is actually the Audi Q5. The Four-Ringed crossover sat around in showrooms an average of only 16.8 days in June and July. Audi had another hit on the list with its S5, which tied for 12th place with the Mini Cooper.

Only one other American nameplate showed up as a hot seller, and that was Ford's Escape and Escape Hybrid, slipping in at No. 10. Toyota had a whopping five vehicles on the list, including the Prius and the Lexus RX 350/RX Hybrid. The Matrix was No. 4, the FJ Cruiser No. 8, and the RAV4 was No. 9. Said another way, "Thanks, Cash for Clunkers!"

Oddly, the Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI didn't show up on Forbes' list. From our personal experience and reports from readers, the car is almost impossible to find due to production issues and demand -presumably that's because the study calculated days on lots for the entire Jetta lineup, not just specific models therein.

Gallery: Beijing '08: 2009 Audi Q5

[Source: Forbes]

Forbes names 12 hardest new cars to find originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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