Toyota Canada Comment on Toyota Motor Sales Comprehensive Analysis of Gilbert Congressional Testimony


Yesterday, Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) issued a press release focused on their concerns with the validity, methodology and credibility of Dr. Gilbert's demonstration of alleged “unintended acceleration” in a Toyota Avalon. A demonstration which was submitted as part of his testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

TMS, along with Dr. J. Christian Gerdes, associate professor of mechanical engineering at Stanford University and the director of the Center for Automotive Research at Stanford (CARS), conducted an independent review of Professor Gilbert’s testimony and the preliminary report presented to Congress and concluded the following:
o        The vehicle’s electronics in Dr. Gilbert’s demonstration were rewired and reengineered in multiple ways, in a specific sequence, and under conditions that are virtually impossible to occur in real-world conditions without visible evidence.
o        Toyota vehicle electronic systems were actively manipulated to mimic a valid full-throttle condition.
o        Substantially similar results were successfully created in vehicles made by other manufacturers.

While the circumstances surrounding recalls and the processes and procedures for managing them are intrinsically different between TCI and TMS, based on local regulatory requirements and product differences, we wanted to share the findings of TMS's investigation. We also remain committed to encouraging customers to contact their dealer, visit us online at www.toyota.ca or contact our Customer Interaction Centre at 1-888-TOYOTA-8 with any questions or concerns regarding the performance of their vehicle.   

For the full press release and related material please follow the link below.
 
For more information and TCI media relations contact details please visit na1.ipressroom.com.

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