Inside Toyota
by EVANDER KLUM
Toyota has tasked Hybrid Technologies, Inc., --emerging leaders in the production and marketing of lithium-powered products--with the development of safe and efficient lithium-ion batteries for the Yaris. And just recently, Hybrid Technologies, Inc. has announced the production of beta models Toyota Yaris as Mooresville plant speed up its production of the all-lithium version of Toyota��s compact sedan.
The currently world��s largest automaker Toyota has been recognized as a leader in the production of gas/electric hybrid vehicle for the past ten years. It has also sold over one million hybrid units. And according to Richard Griffiths, Strategic Development Consultant for Hybrid Technologies, "An all-lithium version of the Yaris seemed like a natural fit."
So why from all Toyota��s vehicle choose the Yaris for the production of an all-lithium version? There are criteria set and Yaris was able to meet all of them. Here are the said criteria:
?Body design and ergonomics ?Weight and size of the vehicle ?Manufacture quality control ?Adaptation to electric drive system ?Consumer desirability ?Low entry level unit cost of under $15,000 USD
Originally Hybrid Technologies has created a complete lithium system for Chrysler��s PT Cruiser as part of a Space Act Agreement with NASA and now has become the world��s sole production models of high-speed electric vehicles. And due to the size and the production cost entailed in Toyota Yaris it will be offered to complement hybrid��s private and public sector.
Employee Filed a Lawsuit against GM and Toyota A report stating that an employee at a California plant jointly run by General Motors and Toyota Motor Corp. the producer of high quality Lexus muffler has made grave accusation saying that her managers have allowed serious defects to go unchecked such as faulty seatbelts and braking��basing on the lawsuit filed earlier this month.
Katy Cameron, a certified auditor at New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. in a case filed before Alameda County Superior Court in California has stated that the management has deliberately deleted or downgraded defects from her reports on vehicles since 2005.
The lawsuit was filed last November 6 and demands for unspecified damages for retaliation against a whistleblower as well as intentional infliction of emotional distress from NUMMI, Toyota, Toyota in North America and General Motors.
NUMMI for those who are not aware of it, is a joint venture setup in 1984 that produces Corolla subcompact, Tacoma pickup, and Pontiac Vibe wagon.
Basing on all legal documents gathered last Tuesday, the alleged defects that were deliberately neglected includes broken seat belts, faulty headlights, mirrors falling off, inadequate braking, engine oil leaks, and problems with steering wheel alignment.
The Japanese automaker has declined to comment on the lawsuit but stress that it will look into the allegations. General Motors for its part has not made any comment on the issue.
The lawsuit is quite timely especially now that quality problems have become an ensuing issue among Toyota vehicles. Could there be some truth to the allegations of Ms. Cameron?
