The beleaguered Toyota Motor Corp. is said to be considering the modification of its proprietary push-button ignition systems, according to an American company representative. Brian Lyons, a spokesman, said that the auto manufacturer has been giving thought to changing the system so that drivers can more easily turn the car off in the event of an emergency, presumably one like the accelerator or brake malfunctions currently affecting many new Toyota vehicles. As Toyota deals with the fallout from what has felt like three solid weeks of recalls, it’s clear that the company is looking closely at ways to boost its currently dismal public relations profile.
Lyons stated that the company is considering changing over the ignitions so that the engine will cut out when the button is hit three times in succession. Currently, Toyota’s push-button ignitions must be depressed for three continuous seconds to stop the car. That length of time has been criticized as too long by many safety experts. Right now, the system is being used in all Lexus products and is either standard or optional in many Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs. Lyons was quick to note that all changes are currently just being discussed, and nothing has made it to the point of implementation as of yet.
Toyota has long been known as a leader in safety and reliability, as well as in worldwide vehicle sales. That all changed last month, when Toyota initiated the first of three separate recalls that would eventually comprise some eight and a half million vehicles.
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