Will TOYOTA/NHTSA Inc. WHITEWASH?
It is unclear if NHTSA possesses the expertise to analyze the SPAGHETTI CODE!
VIDEO ON LINK
Feds to perform tests on Bristol couple’s car
By Target 12 Consumer Investigator Susan Hogan
Published: November 13, 2014
BRISTOL, R.I. (WPRI) — Federal safety regulators are moving forward with an investigation into a possible unintended acceleration case involving a Bristol couple’s Toyota.
Target 12 has learned they’ve picked up the couple’s car and is towing it to a testing facility in Ohio. It’s not often you get a tow from the federal government, but when your car is the source of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation – it’s a welcomed ride.
Bob and Kathy Ruginis’s car has been at a Massachusetts dealership ever since it was involved in a low-speed crash. Even though the crash itself was insignificant, Kathy said it’s what led to the crash that makes it a big deal.
“It was an awkward feeling knowing my foot was on the brake and I was accelerating,” she said.
Kathy claims her Corolla, on numerous occasions, would surge forward even though she says her foot was on the brake. In September, the couple filed a petition with the NHTSA asking the agency to investigate their case, along with hundreds of other complaints from Toyota owners – all who say their cars experienced surges while the brakes were applied.
The NHTSA agreed to lease the car from the couple for 90 days. Their plan is “to replicate the various conditions under which [they] experienced the surges.”
“I don’t think we’ll get much out of it, but for other people I hope it will help them find something that Toyota can correct,” said Bob Ruginis.
Car safety expert Sean Kane has been very critical of the NHTSA’s handling of Toyota’s response in unintended acceleration incidents in the past.
“What we’re looking at is the very same people who have gone out of their way to not find any problems with the electronics are now back at it, and somehow now they’re going to find something?” he asked.
Toyota has recalled millions of vehicles for sudden unintended acceleration incidents it blamed on “sticky pedals” and “flood mats,” but some Toyota drivers like the Ruginis’ claim their sudden surge had nothing to do with sticky pedals or floor mats since they had those fixed under the recall. Only time will tell what federal engineers will determine, depending on what is revealed in the testing.
Target 12 reached out to Toyota on Thursday, and in a statement said it “welcomes further scientific analysis and will continue to cooperate with any requests from NHTSA regarding its investigation.”
http://wpri.com/2014/11/13/feds-to-perform-tests-on-bristol-couples-car/
Don't hold you breath on this one!
