Toyota CEO Apologizes for Safety Lapses

"The way these complaints were handled indicates problems at both NHTSA and Toyota," said Edolphus Towns. "There is a serious question of whether NHTSA used all of its regulatory tools to thoroughly investigate this issue."

LaHood defended NHTSA, calling it the most effective automotive investigative agency in the world.

"Over just the last three years, NHTSA's defect and compliance investigations have resulted in 524 recalls involving 23 million vehicles," said Ray LaHood. "We have not been sitting around on our hands. When people complain, we investigate."

LaHood said that NHTSA continues to gather documentation from Toyota about problems with runaway cars and the company's responses to it.

Wednesday, Toyota reached an agreement with the state of New York to pick up recalled vehicles and provide drivers free rental cars during repairs. At the congressional hearing, the head of Toyota's North American operations, Yoshimi Inaba, said the program would be extended nationwide.

Toyota faces new probe on Corolla steering

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received more than 150 complaints about possible steering problems in 2009 and 2010 Corolla models, a U.S. government official said.
The agency began reviewing complaints about the Corolla models last week and on Wednesday determined that the evidence warranted opening a preliminary evaluation, according to the official who asked not to be named because the plan has not been announced.

The Corolla is Toyota's second-most popular model in the U.S. market, behind the Camry.
Such preliminary investigations are a common step by NHTSA and are often closed before being upgraded to a second-stage investigation or prompting a vehicle recall.

Toyota spokeswoman Cindy Knight said the automaker was aware of the Corolla steering complaints and would "cooperate fully with NHTSA's investigation."
Toyota's quality chief, Shinichi Sasaki, said at a briefing in Tokyo on Wednesday that it was not yet clear if the problem is due to the steering, tires or another part, and that there would only be a recall if the issue was deemed to be a safety breach.

"Our internal studies have shown that drivers have complained about a change in steering response versus the older Corollas possibly due to a switch from a hydraulic power steering system to an electronic one," Sasaki said.

But the move comes at a time when Toyota and U.S. safety regulators are under intense scrutiny for their handling of safety complaints related to unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles going back a decade.
Toyota is being challenged by U.S. lawmakers to answer the criticism that the company's practice of tightly controlling key decisions in Japan had contributed to its deepening problems in the U.S. market and criticism that it has not been forthcoming with safety regulators.
In a move that raised the stakes for a pair of congressional hearings next week, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said he would send North America chief Yoshimi Inaba to testify instead of making an appearance himself.
Toyoda, grandson of the 77-year-old automaker's founder, said he believed Inaba was the logical choice to testify.

"I have full confidence in the management of Toyota Motor North America, led by Mr. Inaba, and I believe he is the best placed to testify," Toyoda told reporters at his third news conference in two weeks.
The statement by Toyoda came a day after the automaker moved to cut production in the United States and NHTSA opened an investigation into whether it had acted in a timely way in responding to safety complaints.
A series of vehicle recalls since January have damaged Toyota's once-vaunted reputation for quality and safety. Up to 34 crash deaths have been blamed on unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles since 2000, according to complaints filed with U.S. regulators.

Toyoda faces a deepening crisis just seven months into his tenure as the automaker's chief. He said Toyota may have grown too fast in recent years, outstripping its ability to ensure that vehicle quality standards were maintained.
Two congressional panels plan hearings next week to look into Toyota safety issues. The U.S. House Energy and Commerce panel moved its hearing to Tuesday instead of Thursday. The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government reform is scheduled to hold a hearing on Wednesday.
The top Democrat and Republican on the oversight panel asked major insurers for information they may have provided to U.S. safety regulators on reports of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.
State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer, said last week that it had warned NHTSA about a worrying trend of Toyota accidents in 2007.

Rep. Darrell Issa, the ranking Republican on that committee, also sent a letter to Inaba asking him to answer a series of questions about when Toyota became aware of safety problems with its cars.
Issa also told Inaba to submit a written answer by Monday discussing whether there was a "disconnect" between the company's U.S. operations and its Japan headquarters as critics have charged.
Specifically, he asked about a team of NHTSA officials dispatched to Toyota's headquarters in December to deliver the message that the automaker was not moving fast enough to address the U.S. government's safety concerns.

"Why was it necessary for NHTSA officials to visit Japan in order for Toyota to recognize its obligations under U.S. law?" Issa asked in his letter to Inaba.
Toyota also said on Wednesday that it would install a brake override system on all new vehicles after global recalls for acceleration and braking problems that affect 8.5 million vehicles.
LOSS OF PUBLIC TRUST?

Former NHTSA chief Joan Claybrook, a vehicle safety advocate who is scheduled to testify before Congress, said Toyota should install brake override systems on vehicles it has already sold, not just new models.

"The American public has lost trust in Toyota and they need to regain that trust," Claybrook said.
Complaints about unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles in the United States have been rising since it began installing electronic throttle controls on its vehicles a decade ago.
Meanwhile, analyst doubts have been deepening about the pace of Toyota's earnings recovery. Only two weeks ago, the company estimated the recalls would reduce global sales by 100,000 units in the financial year to the end of March.
Toyoda said production cuts had been within expectations so far and he believed the company could stem further sales declines, although it was impossible to tell for sure.
Toyota executives have told dealers that they will roll out a package of incentives in March to keep customers from defecting to rival brands.

Toyota shares, which have fallen a fifth from a peak on January 21, dipped 0.4 percent in Toyko trade.
"Investors, though not overly optimistic, are welcoming Toyota's efforts to move away from behavior that has hurt trust in it, while they expect political pressure to remain against Toyota in the United States in the near term," said Kazuhiro Takahashi, general manager of investment strategy at Daiwa Securities Capital Markets.

Toyota Prius Complaints on Brakes

Toyota Motor Corp. has been beaten by more than 100 complaints in the United States and Japan about the problems with the brakes popular hybrid Prius, the ultimate high for a car serentetan as bergulat great memory problems worldwide.
Company sales in the U.S. Japanese dipukuli - The Toyota's largest market - remember the best-selling models for improving gas pedal can be connected in the depressed position.
To add a company problem, the Minister of Transportation United States Ray LaHood said Tuesday he will talk with Toyota's chairman, Akio Toyoda, the car serentetan recalled in the United States. LaHood said the U.S. government is investigating the possible electrical problems in Toyota vehicles.
LaHood said he will call Toyoda in the coming days to ensure cars Japanese government aware of the concerns about security problems with Toyota vehicles.
Secretary stated that the National Roads Traffic Safety will conduct research in the system of electronic throttle control and the potential for electromagnetic interference in the vehicle fleet of nations.
Hybrid gasoline-electric Prius again, the first sold in Japan and the United States in April, is not part of the mind that extend to Europe and China, covering almost 4.5 million vehicles.
U. S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received about 100 complaints about the brakes of the new Prius models. Two involved in accidents resulting in injuries.
Japanese Transport Ministry said on Wednesday that his company also received 14 complaints since last July about the problems of a new Toyota Prius Hybrid brake.
14 complaints, such as accidents in July, which fell on the head Prius at the crossing. Masaya Ota Transportation Department officials say two people slightly injured in the accident.
Prius driver in the accident, told police that the brakes do not work, "Ota said." Other Prius drivers are not as sharp mengeluhkan brakes. "The complaints in Japan a new Prius model of participation, given that all vehicles in Japan, said.
Toyota ordered the service, world No. 1 car, to investigate complaints. Another 13 cases that occurred between December and January 2010. Ota said the services have not received an official report into allegations of Toyota.
Toyota spokeswoman Ririko Takeuchi company has received reports of complaints about the Prius in North America and Japan, and now look at the problem.
Stock drops
Toyota shares fell 5.7 percent to $ 39.76 Canadian equivalent to eliminate stock investors because of unrest in the U.S. misery Prius and Japan. Beringsut The Nikkei rose just 0.3 percent to 10,404.33 as a decrease in the confidence of Toyota wet.
"Investors fear that the latest problem involves the Prius can be much higher. This problem can lead to a broader issue at Toyota, high security," said Kazuhiro Takahashi, senior market analyst at Daiwa Securities SMBC Co. Ltd.
Also Wednesday, the South Korean government said the local unit of Toyota vehicles recalled over 444 disabled accelerator and floor mats.
The vehicles made in North America and over 19,000 Toyota vehicles imported from Japan is not part of the recall, the Department of Land, Maritime and Transport, said in a statement.
Toyota is facing growing criticism that not enough was done to ensure the safety of vehicles.
Serious problems arise in the Prius, Toyota key green car model, you're more confident of menodai cap.
Prius, now the third generation since its introduction in 1997, is selling gasoline-electric hybrid in the world, press a cumulative total of 1.6 million units sold to date, according to Toyota.
Hybrid, with a shuttle to go between the gasoline engine and electric motors tend to offer a period of better range at low speed and stop-and-go driving is common in the covenant of the city.

How to donate your car !!!

How to donate your car!!!!

If you have a car for a while you will know how fast the car terdepresiasi. Indeed, to witness the Blue Book may feel like a slap in the face. Your car can be thousands of dollars a few years ago and now this may vote at the price of a lemon.

Why give something else that might cause problems? Is it worth selling cars for a small portion of what you buy?

Perhaps you may not be aware of other options. One of the options that will help others less fortunate than you and you pay part of the money if you can wait. In other words, you can donate your car.

It donated cars and large vehicles is that they can be deducted from taxes.

But how to donate a car to work right? How do you do and where?

Here are some answers.

How donated a car to work?

First take into account that most types of vehicles that can be attributed. These include several types of vehicles: cars, truck, trailer, boat and recreational vehicles.

Although lemons can be accepted, some centers may not accept contributions that are in a car that was not as bad Towing. Most central contribution will actually get to your car in large part from 50 countries. They are usually taken by tourism professionals licensed, insured and bound, however, should always ask about this before the scheduled pick.

Some large charities registered with the centers of car donations charities registered with the IRS non-profit. However, the best is to negotiate with the tax professional to make sure before giving as a car.

Charitable organizations are the most commonly mentioned are American Red Cross, American Diabetes Association, American Breast Cancer Foundation and Boy Scouts of America. If you are interested in a special gift, visit the website and see if they offer the chance to donate your car. Ensure that the organization registered as a 501 (c) (3) charities.

How do you contribute your car?

Once you find a charity that receives contributions from the car and you should contribute, you will need to determine the value of your car. This can be done easily using Kelly Blue Book. IRS also has published several publications such as the IRS Publications 526 ( "Reduction of Charity") and 561 ( "Determining the value of the hotel contributed.

According to Publication 526 IRA include:

''Some business and professional organizations publish used car pricing guides, commonly called "blue book", which contains all distributor prices, prices or sales agents flat-rated to the latest models. May guide published monthly or seasonally, and for different regions. This guide also provides an estimate to be adapted to the unusual equipment, unusual period range, and fitness. Prices are not "official" and that publication will not be considered as evaluation contributed certain hotels. But they do provide for the use of shares and prices for comparison with current sales and offers in your area.

This publication is sometimes available in public libraries, or loan officer at a bank, credit union or finance company. You can also find information about used car prices on the Internet. To find the proper market value of contributions from a car, using the prices listed in this guide to hand in a sale between individuals, and non-value retailers. However, the market value should be less than this amount if the car has engine problems, injuries, range of high period, or impose other types of excess. Reasonable market value of certain vehicles with the price stipulated in the guidelines to hand in a sale between individuals if the user list price sales made the same car, model and year, sold in the same area in the same country, with a choice of identical or similar equipment or , and by ensuring that the car is identical or similar contributions.''

Publications also mention the following examples:

''You contribute a used car in poor condition at a local high school for use by students Automotive repair. User car dealer to show the value of a car in poor condition is $ 1600. However, the user list price for sales between individuals from the car only $ 750. Reasonable market value of the car could be seen as $ 750.''

After you determine the value of your car as directed by 9QU IRS is always best to consult a professional tax) that you can give to charities, and a call to schedule an invite. It is important that when a vehicle diderek, you get a receipt. The receipt must have the following information: your name, year, and model of your car is made and the date at this time. Make sure that the reception is also the name of charity and tax identification number. Keep your hands to your tax return.

Of course, after contributions from the car, you must notify DMV and your insurance company. Check carefully to what the protocol is to remove the title and plates.

What better then, sell or contribute?

Of course, the prize is the best way to go to a lot of time with those who need and because it is simply merepotkan free transaction, without the need to place an ad, find buyers or sell at auction. Many companies pull within 48 hours. Of course, there are those who need extra money and find that sales is the way to go. However, for those who can survive without additional money will be, because they are waiting for tax time and wanted to do something good for society, this may be the way forward ..

10 Tips To Donate Your Car For Charity

Seems so simple: donate your used vehicle or boat to charity, avoid kerepotan related to sales, and scores of tax cuts at the same time. Everybody wins, is not it?

Not necessarily. Like saying the word, the way he double hockey stick versa in good faith, and can be very easy to walk on the meaning of this well acted.

Before you give your greatest asset for everyone, read the following tips to ensure you make the correct move.

1. Avoid middlemen. Many non-intermediary organizations without profit beriklan aggressively on television, billboards and elsewhere, offer to help you donate your vehicle to charity. Here's the catch: These organizations typically keep about 50 percent to 90 percent of the value of the vehicle for themselves, and charities can not get what they get. To avoid this, check directly with charities you admire and see if they accept donations of car or boat.

2. Find a charity eligible. If you support charities that are generally not equipped to receive these gifts, do some chores before finding a charity reputable. You can find the track records online charities to this page through the Better Business Bureau and Charity Navigator.

3. Check the math. If you are always prompted to use an intermediary organization - perhaps because you're busy - at least ask how much a car body or the value of the boat will go to charity. If charities to provide only a fixed cost - say, $ 100 for a used car escaped from its value, or $ 2,000 per month - your donation may not meet the requirements of a tax deduction.

4. Know the condition of the recipient. While you're eligible for a reduction, charities that receive your gifts must be approved IRS 501 (c) (3) organization. Your church, synagogue, mosque or temple eligible in May. (Check first just to be sure.) You can also visit the Internal Revenue Service web pages and search for Publication 78 to find no other qualifying nonprofit organization. (Just ketik "78" into the search box on the homepage of the IRS and you will be directed to the publication right.)

5. Make the delivery themselves. Once you have identified the eligible charity, admits he will have to pay someone to download for your car or boat. To help maximize the benefits of charitable giving, you leave a car or boat from yourself.

6. Move the vehicle with caution. You want to eliminate any risk of running violations of parking tickets and other after you say goodbye to your donated vehicle? Then formally re-title the vehicle to charity, and report the transfer to the Department of Motor Vehicles and Licensing. Never agree to leave the property room for charitable donations of blank paper.

7. The approximate value of your contribution may not be deducted. If your car or boat is worth more than $ 500, IRS will want to see proof of how charities have for that. (Most charities that accept donations and sell them to turn the money.) You must obtain a receipt from the charity show exactly how much money is created.

8. Know when you can declare a reasonable market value. You do not need proof of the sale price of charity care if the vehicle or ship and use them in charity work, or if your donation is worth less than $ 500. Then you can declare the market value based on a reasonable listing of Kelley Blue Book and similar sources.

9.  Keep a thorough paper trail. If your donation worth $ 500, you must attach IRS Form 8283 to your tax return. If it's worth over $ 5,000, your documentation must include an external evaluation. You must also demonstrate the contribution, as the receipt of property titles and copies of the exchange.

10. Be careful. Impressions of this document may seem complicated, but consider this: This may be one of the largest charitable donations ever make. By taking the time to dot the i's, you can ensure that the charities that benefit the most and you get the greatest possible restraint.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation Tops 600,000 Unit Sales Level

Two years after the stroke of half a million units sold mark, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) has again achieved another pillar added December 7, 2009, with combined sales of 600,000 units since the start of operations 1988. TMP is the first automaker in the Philippine Automotive bags that performance.

For 21 years in industry, TMP remains committed to meet the needs of different konsumen Philippines. Model offers a wide range of vehicles fourteen distributed to 27 outlets national distributor. By maintaining a firm commitment to provide high quality products and excellent service to its customers, TMP has opened the way to becoming the market leader in eighteen years. TMP is also proud to reveal that, despite slowdown in 2009, it collected for the year to date sales of 46,193 units in December 2009.

"While performance is made possible by the exceptional efforts of cooperative network to Toyota, we are very grateful to Toyota for 600,000 customers trust and loyalty of the brand. We will continue our pursuit of improving our right to give the best for our customers. "Said Raymond Rodriguez, TMP's First Vice President for sales of vehicles Operasional.

As TMP strive to maintain its leadership in the market but also take the initiative to consistently meet social responsibilities. TMP continues to comply with its commitment to local production with Vios and Innova, which is currently in the country Top 2 best-selling vehicle with a combination of units per month apartment flat sales in 1800. In introducing the Prius in the Philippines Hydride technology market, he stood at the front line in promoting technology and the environment. TMP also embarks on various social-economic programs through the social and humanitarian arm, Toyota Motor Philippines Foundation (tmpfs).

Toyota's Sales Overtake Domestic Figure

We’re surprised it took so long. Toyota’s data for the first 11 months of 2009 show that sales in Asia (excluding Japan) is set to overtake domestic sales for the first time this year. Toyota sold 1,354,000 units in Asia from January to November 2009, an year-on-year increase of 4.5%, compared to 1,256,000 vehicles in Japan. This makes Asia the second-largest market for Toyota in 2009 after North America (1,770,000 units).
The growth in Asia is spearheaded by a 20.7% increase in China to 622,000 units. Sources say that this will grow to 700,000 units for the entire year. November’s data also showed recovery in India, Thailand and Vietnam, it added.
This revelation isn’t shocking. Asia sales count growing markets such as India and China as well as the ASEAN region, while the Japanese auto market is saturated. Although it’s unlikely, but we can wish that with our newfound strength in numbers, Toyota will be less stingy with their JDM models and achieve better volume by exporting them to more sophisticated markets within Asia. The bulk of the figures will be borne by bread and butter models like the Camry, Corolla and Vios, as well as the IMV spin offs (Hilux, Innova, Fortuner), but I’m sure there will be takers for their Japan-only models. Just look at the amount of grey import Toyotas on the road!