Toyota RECALL a SMEAR campaign?

Many people are asking, including national radio show host LARS LARSON, (listen to my interview here); “Is this non-stop berating of Toyota nothing more than the current administration trying to deflect consumers to BUY AMERICAN?”  I start to wonder why Transportation Secretary and NHTSA head, Ray LaHood felt it was necessary to say anything more than; “Toyota is well on their way to treating every car,” when asked by the investigating committee.   A committee quickly assembled by…politicians in an election year.

Is it fair for OUR government to denounce a company that makes a product similar to the one the US TAXPAYERS just spent $70 BILLION buying? I know Chrysler and GM still owe us (the US taxpayers) money, but is this the way we want our government “marketing” the automotive industry.

Is this what we want them spending their time on?

I think astute Americans know two things for sure…

#1.  If their car isn’t operating correctly they should take it to the dealership to be fixed.

#2.  If the government tells them to do something, they need to ask more questions.

The truth behind the recall. Less than 1% of 1%  (16) of all the cars sold last year (11 million)  are involved in this recall. No deaths reported. The Toyota company has been out in front of this issue before NHTSA investigated any complaints.  Toyota has done everything to maintain calm and even refrained from responding to the hyperbole caused by the government’s assault on their integrity.

LaHood says he MIS-SPOKE during the committee hearing. I learned, “Think before you speak,”  in 3rd grade. What LaHood should have said was; “If YOU own one of these vehicles with this problem, take it to the dealer.” Yet when asked specifically by a Senator, “how HE would stop a car experiencing this problem, i.e. put it in neutral and press on the brake hard,”  LaHood couldn’t explain what to do, and dismissed the point with “I believe that information has been disseminated”.

Of the thousands of Toyota’s sold in LAS VEGAS in the past three years, not one customer has reported an issue to his/her dealership. REALLY? Yup. As a matter of fact, the local Toyota dealers in Las Vegas have more parts available for this 15 min. fix than they have customers asking for it! Not to mention that all the affected models that were “no sale” last week are already fixed and available for immediate delivery. I am still selling Prius’ and all the other models as if nothing was happening, which is exactly my point…

Except that Toyota stock dropped huge today. Thanks Ray, I may make more money on Toyota stock than on my car deals this week.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————Sarah Lee is an automotive executive with 20+ years of experience. She writes about Cars, and is a staunch consumer advocate on car related subjects. Her company: MY CARLADY is a car buyer’s service committed to getting you the best deal on your next new or pre-owned vehicle. You can reach her at www.mycarlady.com Top learn more about getting your best car deal click here: CAR DEALS ]]>