Friday, March 12, 2010

Over-ride systems being installed after "runaways"

Seven Japanese carmakers are expected to fit new vehicles with brake override systems that would enable drivers to stop their cars using the brake even if the accelerator is depressed, company officials said yesterday.

Toyota is fitting the system to some models and Mazda Motor Corp has decided to fit all of its new models with the override systems, Mazda officials said, adding that it is also considering installing them in some models that it had sold in the past.

Officials at the five other makers—Honda Motor Co, Suzuki Motor Corp, Mitsubishi Motors Corp, Daihatsu Motor Co and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd—said they are considering fitting their new models with the override systems. Nissan Motor Co has been the sole Japanese automaker to fit all models with the override systems.

Importers Volkswagen, BMW and Daimler have fitted their products with brake override systems.
 Of the Big Three U.S. automakers, Chrysler Group LLC has fitted most of its models with the override systems. General Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. have installed them on some of their models.