GM Cars to Feature Brake Override by 2012

As a result of Toyota's unintended acceleration recall, the US government intends, as you know, to make brake override systems mandatory on most vehicles manufactured in the country. One of the first manufacturers to announce such a measure is GM, who yesterday announced it will expand "enhanced smart pedal technology globally to all passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control."

“News media analysis of government data consistently validates that GM's safety record on this issue is among the strongest in the industry,” Tom Stephens, vice chairman, GM Global Product Operations said in a release.

“At the same time, we know safety is top of mind for consumers, so we are applying additional technology to reassure them that they can count on the brakes in their GM vehicle."

GM's brake override calls for the modification of the existing electronic controls so that power to the engine is reduced in case the brake and accelerator pedal are being depressed at the same time.

The new safety feature comes to complete the existing braking performance standard for GM vehicles, which requires the brakes to stop the vehicle within a specific distance. The new feature will expand to the entire GM lineup by 2012.

Earlier in March, Japanese manufacturer Mazda announced a similar move and will from now on install brake override systems on all new models. In addition to Mazda and GM, Honda, Suzuki, Mitsubishi and Daihatsu are also considering adding such an extra safety feature.