Thursday, April 8, 2010

Popular Mechanics says Toyota deserves better

The May 2010 issue of Popular Mechanics has an interesting and very informative article regarding the unintended acceleration issue capturing current headlines. In short, they use science and facts to explain that an electronic problem is "not in the least bit likely." Click on the above headline or the following link to read this credible information from a reputable third party for yourself! http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/news/industry/4347704

Friday, April 2, 2010

Lum's Supports Food Drive











They call it the "Canned Castle" event, held each year to collect food and donations for the South County Food Bank. This year, local construction craftsman Mike Hinton approached Lum's Auto Center with an idea. To anyone who knows him, Mike Hinton is a true Renaissance man - he is a gourmet cook, artist, bread maker, potter, craftsman and has many many more talents. Always active in the community contributing his time and his talent, Mike asked Lum's if we could help him with a project to support the South County Foodbank. His idea was to build a Scion out of food cans and boxes - all he needed was the food! We are amazed at the results! Also supporting Mr. Hinton in this worth cause were the following donors: “Our Foundation" Canned Castle Donors!!

Lum’s Auto
Kevin Cupples
Manhut Inc./ Al Smiles
Jim & Maureen Casterline
Larry Popkin/ Attorney
Neal & Lisa Wallace
Jeff & Karma Kilday / The WineHaus
Doug & Cheryle Barker
Carol O'Donovan
Barbara Hinton
Michael Hinton
Brent Boles/ Inland Electric Inc.
Jay & Jan Barber


Monday, February 1, 2010

Toyota Announces Comprehensive Plan to Fix Accelerator Pedals on Recalled Vehicles and Ensure Customer Safety

Rigorously Tested Reinforced Pedals Will Eliminate the Excess Friction that Caused Sticking

Toyota Will Make Concerted Effort to Repair Recalled Vehicles as Quickly and Conveniently as Possible


TORRANCE, Calif., February 1, 2010 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc., today announced it will begin fixing accelerator pedals in recalled Toyota Division vehicles this week. Toyota’s engineers have developed and rigorously tested a solution that involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a manner that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick in rare instances. In addition, Toyota has developed an effective solution for vehicles in production.

Parts to reinforce the pedals are already being shipped for use by dealers, and dealer training is under way. Many Toyota dealers will work extended hours to complete the recall campaign as quickly and conveniently as possible, some even staying open 24 hours a day. The company has also taken the unprecedented action of stopping production of affected vehicles for the week of February 1.

“Nothing is more important to us than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive,” said Jim Lentz, president and Chief Operating Officer, TMS. “We deeply regret the concern that our recalls have caused for our customers and we are doing everything we can – as fast as we can – to make things right. Stopping production is never an easy decision, but we are 100% confident it was the right decision. We know what’s causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it. We also know it is most important to fix this problem in the cars on the road.”

Lentz added: “We are focused on making this recall as simple and trouble-free as possible, and will work day and night with our dealers to fix recalled vehicles quickly. We want to demonstrate that our commitment to safety is as high as ever and that our commitment to our customers is unwavering.”

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Relief Efforts from Toyota


Toyota said Friday that it is donating $500,000 to the American Red Cross, Save the Children and Doctors Without Borders. The company chose the last two organizations because they have been working in Haiti for a long time, said Michael Rouse, vice president of philanthropy and community affairs at Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.

In addition, Toyota North America, Toyota Motor Sales, Toyota Financial Services and Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America will match employee contributions to the Red Cross through Feb. 1, without limit.

Rouse said Toyota also offered to provide vehicles to the Red Cross.

Eco-Friendly Car of the Year - 2010 Prius


Cars.com Eco-Friendly Car of the Year 2010 Toyota Prius

"The third-generation Prius improves upon a model that effectively transformed the nameplate into an American mainstay. The new Prius packs more power and better gas mileage — 50 mpg in combined EPA estimates. Best of all, it now feels like a substantial car, ready for family outings or interstate road trips. While there are more fuel efficient options than ever before, there's no denying this: The Prius is still the most fuel-efficient, gas-powered, mass-produced car you can buy."

Tuesday, January 19, 2010