- GM will roll out brake override worldwide by the end of 2012.
- The feature will be installed on cars with automatic transmissions.
DETROIT — In response to public concern over unintended acceleration fueled by publicity over Toyota's massive recalls, General Motors said it will install brake override software on all its global passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control by late 2012.
Without directly addressing Toyota's plight, GM said its action is being taken to provide "an additional safeguard to enhance customer confidence."
GM's "enhanced smart pedal" technology includes modification of existing vehicle software and electronic controls to reduce power to the engine when the throttle and brake are pressed at the same time.
Inside Line says: GM's press release also takes pains to assure consumers that its vehicles already meet strict braking standards and that its safety record is among the best in the industry. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
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aston_dbs says:
03:02 PM, 04/06/2010
Duh?!
This wouldn't help those idi0ts who drive 70 mph WHILE text/gossip on phone/eating buffet/reviewing reports/play iPhone/update Facebook/paint their nails/putting makeup/reading newspaper, etc from crashing and AFFECTING other INNOCENT people!!
turboxr says:
11:06 AM, 04/06/2010
I fail to see how a brake override feature will help all those old people stop their cars when they're actually pressing on the gas.
sparkplug8 says:
04:48 PM, 04/05/2010
Once again, if the "brake override" consists of only software, the possible failure or overloading of the CPU can make all the software moot and still subject the occupants to a runaway.
Any delay in application of that new software, however, is akin to criminal neglect. It should be done whenever an existing vehicle is in for service and all unsold vehicles should have it installed before delivery.
Better to put switches on the pedal to disconnect/reconnect battery power to the throttle motor, as needed, to drop the throttle to idle without relying on the CPU.
madmallard says:
04:12 PM, 04/05/2010
Anyone else see a brilliant PR move by GM that will essentially cost them nothing? Way to capitalise.
jeremy_c says:
02:33 PM, 04/05/2010
stovt001 - agree with you wholeheartedly. When I read about the automatic lane change warning radars that Ford installed on their cars I was appalled. It basically encourage people to be distracted while driving. So very soon idiots will not bother doing shoulder check relying on these systems to beep them. And when they fail and these unattentive drivers crash, its the car's fault. We are living in a sad world.
And does the brake override program mean no more burnout launches? I am sure soon the government will mandate this across the board.
stovt001 says:
01:15 PM, 04/05/2010
Whether or not Toyota has fixed the problem, they exemplify the notion that if you make a product even an idiot could use, idiots will use it. Toyota has led the way in the beige-ification of automobiles, removing the driver from the equation and actively discouraging enthusiasm, attention, or skillful driving. They are the cars for people who wouldn't know a shifter from a tire and regard driving as an unfortunate but necessary evil. There is now an entitlement mentality where the general public believes they should be able to call, text, apply makeup, read the paper, surf the net, and anything else while "driving" and nothing should be their responsibility. If something goes wrong, just sue someone and install an electric nanny to further idiot-proof it. Then you get the perfect storm - these idiots are driving Toyota's defective and poorly constructed vehicles. When something goes horrificially wrong, they can't compensate and people get hurt. Then they sue because nothing should be their responsibility while driving, and everyone else has to follow along with these needless electronic nannies, even if they, unlike Toyota, can build a vehicle with properly functioning throttles and brakes.
cmike2780 says:
12:10 PM, 04/05/2010
A complaint isn't a fact, and way too many people file false complaints. Which is sad because it only makes the real problems that much harder to identify.
cmike2780 says:
12:04 PM, 04/05/2010
Toyota screwed themselves, not GM or any other company. This is just GM covering their @$$. The last thing GM needs is for the same kind of similar problem to pop up in their cars. Especially as newer cars become more reliant on drive-by-wire technology. If you think Toyota had it rough, the next company with the slightest of acceleration problems will be feed to the media with little remorse. I'm glad to see our governments' car company is at least paying attention.
half_ton says:
11:57 AM, 04/05/2010
Toyota hasn't fixed anything. Edmunds has already posted articles where drivers complained of SUA AFTER recall repairs were made and Toyota was committed to "investigating" the root cause. I am neither convinced that Toyota will have a 100% failsafe fix for their vehicles or that they have actually identified the cause either.
dr1ve4fun says:
10:37 AM, 04/05/2010
This is just stupidity. If people knew how their cars work and how to drive them there wouldn't be an issue.
@stovt001... Toyota didn't do anything wrong. Sure they had SOME pedals that were sticking. BUT that was a mechanical defect that they recalled. It's fixed. Toyota is hardly the one to blame. All of the idiots that are on the road right now are the issue.