“Sudden unintended acceleration” might sound like a potential side effect for one of the prescription drug advertisements you see on TV these days, but in fact, if you do feel you are experiencing it, you should call your dealer (as in new and used car dealership) before you have to call your doctor.  In the last few months, Toyota Motor Corp has dominated the auto industry headlines for the wrong reasons.  They have had to recall about 6 million vehicles in the U.S. for mainly “sudden unintended acceleration” caused by a sticking accelerator pedal.  There are reports that as many as 52 deaths are linked to these issues since 2000.  And then if that’s not bad enough, the latest development for the embattled auto giant is that there could be steering issues on the Corolla subcompacts.  When it rains it pours.

Chastised for sitting idly by as complaints were coming in, Toyota President Akio Toyoda and other executives are now making the U.S. congressional rounds, attending three hearings in less than two weeks, to make themselves available to a very fearful public.  Toyoda and his men are, in effect, working to calm consumer fears and restore Toyota’s reputation as a safe, reliable, and affordable automobile.  There are currently voluntary recalls on 2010 Priuses and the Lexus HS250h to update software in the vehicle’s anti-lock brake system and Toyota will also be mailing notification letters to Prius owners in the coming weeks. 

In addition to this public step, as you drive by your local dealership/Toyota service center, coming home from a Saturday night dinner and a movie, you might notice it lit up with employees hard at work inside.  In response to this trying situation, many dealers are extending service hours and adding more weekend service; there are even those going above and beyond that are staying open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Perhaps there’s a sign out there that reads: “At Newark Toyota, brakes come before breaks”. 

In all honesty, though, it will take more than mere slogans or the lip service of the President sitting before congressional committees to restore Toyota’s once strong standing in the eyes of the U.S. car buying public, but it would seem that now that Toyota has acknowledged problems do exist they are on the right road to repairing these damages and preventing future ones.

Blending classic luxury with cutting-edge technology, Toyota unveiled the completely redesigned 2011 Avalon at the Chicago Auto Show last month. On the exterior, Toyota added sleek, modern lines and luxury features including halogen projector headlamps and dual exhaust pipes. However, I was particularly impressed with the numerous high-end touches that refined the interior design and enhance both the passenger and driver’s experience.

On the interior, 2010 Toyota NJ drivers will notice that the craftsmanship on the 2011 Avalon focuses on higher quality finishes and rich wood-grain that raise this vehicle to the top of the premium large sedan category. Passengers will also notice that their comfort has not been overlooked, as one of the most unique features of the new Avalon is its reclining backseat.

Designed with today’s tech-saavy customer in mind, options lilke the state-of-the-art touch-screen navigation system with real-time traffic information and hands free Bluetooth capability are new to the 2011 Avalon. When you’re not finding the fastest route to a meeting or joining a conference call from the driver’s seat, the Avalon also features both USB and 1/8-inch auxiliary connections for your iPod to enjoy through the standard nine-speaker system.

Since safety is a top concern for Toyota, many features comes standard, including energy absorbing structures, protective side impact beams and overhead structure, advanced belt systems and active front headrests as well as seven airbags to cushion passengers in an impact. To keep the driver’s attention on the road at all times, the steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth hands-free phones, the audio system, climate system, and the information center

In Newark Toyota brakes recalls and acceleration issues have led some buyers to hesistate on purchasing a Toyota. However, the design of the 2011 Avalon features a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system that addresses any concerns New Jersey drivers may have had.

Though safety features abound on the 2011 Toyota Avalon, many of them are carried over from the 2010 Toyota NJ dealerships currently have on their lots. Of course, Newark Toyota brakes can be checked at any dealership to ensure their safety before you even drive off the lot. This is a terrific opportunity to snatch up remaining 2010 Avalon models at rock bottom prices before the 2011 Toyota Avalon rolls out later this year.

Toyota is attempting to mend its relationship with car buyers by releasing a new commercial addressing the recent issues concerning several Toyota models. The automaker has been the center of several recalls involving issues ranging from floor mats causing pedals to stick as well as faulty brakes and sticking accelerator pedals. Dealerships’ Toyota Service Centers received an incredible amount of influx to resolve many of these issues with recalls.

Along with several press releases addressing the problems Toyota automobiles are facing, Toyota has now released a heartfelt commercial. Toyota is hoping to remind Americans of the previous sterling record of the Toyota brand. The commercial goes so far as to say that Toyota is well aware that they have let the American public down and is no longer living up to the reputation they previously created. The automaker responds to this by asserting that Toyota will now recommit itself to creating quality automobiles.

The new Toyota add also spotlights the typical Toyota employee as well as the typical American car buyer. Toyota Service Center was glad to see the commercial depicting Toyota factory workers fixing the issues that have distressed so many Toyota customers.  The commercial really drives home the point that there are people fixing the automobiles who have a lot in common with those who drive them. In Newark, Toyota Brakes issues are being resolved by Toyota dealerships and drivers are reinvesting their trust in Toyota.

While the issues and massive recalls have definitely had a negative effect on the Toyota brand, the automaker is now making an incredible rebound. Toyota is doing seemingly everything in its power to solve the problems with their automobile and mend its relationship with the American public. The commercial conveys how much Toyota cares about the everyday American car buyer. Not only does Toyota want its drivers to be safe and secure but they want every car driver to be able to confidently entrust their lives to Toyota.

As seen in the commercial, customer happiness is very important to Toyota. If you have any problems with your Toyota automobile make sure to contact your Toyota dealership immediately. For more information about the recalls, Toyota’s new commercial, and Toyota automobiles visit the Toyota website.

By now, news of the Toyota recall is no secret. The company said it had already identified the cause of the problem and corrected it on cars built since January. Of course, if you feel your car may have one of these problems, take it into our Toyota Service Center. Our trained service agents will expertly test the quality of your Newark Toyota brakes to make sure they’re up to speed. And while you’re there, be sure to check out our selection of new and used Toyota models we have in stock at Hudson Toyota.

For the sticking accelerator pedal recall, Toyota will install a stainless steel reinforcement bar into the pedal assembly, which will assure that it returns into place. For the floor mat recall, Toyota has asked owners to remove their mats and plans to reconfigure the accelerator pedal so that it cannot get caught on the floor mats. On Camry, ES 350 and Avalon, Toyota will reshape the floor beneath the pedals. Toyota will also install a brake override system on the affected Camry,  and Avalon.

But the unglamorous headlines haven’t stopped people from loving their Toyotas. In fact, many have praised Toyota for their reaction to the issue, and expressed their faith in the quality of the cars they still have every intention of buying. Says one customer: “I love the way my Prius integrates into my life — it recognizes me when I approach, answers my phone, plays my iPod… it’s a great car.”

Curt McAllister, Product News Manager at Toyota, says that its owners are passionate about their vehicles. And statistics show that Toyota and Lexus remain the world’s most defect-free cars. Toyota’s strong reputation of over three decades of quality simply can’t be beat, even if Detroit is hoping the recall means loyal customers will trade in for a Big Three model. But if you look at whose cars are the most reliable — whether 20 years ago, 10 years ago, or today — Toyota consistently comes out on top.

So to those loyal Toyota customers and fans out there, stop by our new and used cars NJ Toyota dealer to support decades of quality, reliability, customer service, and trust. Toyota really is too strong to be forgotten.