"A precision-cut steel reinforcement bar will be installed into the assembly that will reduce the surface tension between the friction shoe and the adjoining surface. With this reinforcement in place, the excess friction that can cause the pedal to stick is eliminated," Toyota says.
"The company has confirmed the effectiveness of the newly reinforced pedals through rigorous testing on pedal assemblies that had previously shown a tendency to stick."
And that's about it... No magic dust, no tooth fairy, no rocket science, no real "comprehensive plan," as Toyota's release is titled. Yet, the problem which comes with this solution prompted the recall of 2.3 million vehicles in the US and about 1.8 million in Europe. Even more, it forced the carmaker idle five of its North American facilities this week.
The problem with the simple solution also forced Ford idle one of its Chinese joint ventures, it made the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group recall most of their C1 and 107 models and even made Akio Toyoda say "sorrrryyy!".
The problem with the simple solution caused Toyota $21 billion in stock and seriously dented its public perception. The same problem made America fight back, as local carmaker jumped at the opportunity to drive Toyota under and are currently offering incentives to some Toyota owners who decide to dump the Japanese...
A problem with a simple solution? Not even close...
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