Time for a Federal Robotics Agency

Thor Benson / Truthdig Sep 23, 2014 As drones, driverless cars, robotic surgeons and algorithms that can buy and trade in the stock market become part of the daily conversation, there needs to be an understanding of how the law and the public will deal with these imminent realities. Dig deeper ( 5 Min. Read )

Software Glitch Forces Toyota to Recall 1.9 Million Priuses

Peter Z. Scheer / Truthdig Feb 13, 2014 Toyota's hybrid system is a marvel of technology, except in one really inconvenient way. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.S. Slaps Toyota With Record Fine

Staff / Truthdig Apr 6, 2010 U.S. auto regulators have decided to fine Toyota a maximum $16.375 million, having determined that the car company waited “at least four months” to recall its troubled vehicles. Toyota can contest the fine, which, although a record, amounts to a tiny fraction of the total financial impact of recalling some 8 million vehicles worldwide. (continued) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

The ‘Runaway Prius’ That Quite Possibly Wasn’t

Staff / Truthdig Mar 16, 2010 Toyota might have cause to breathe a little easier after a couple bumpy months, as last week's runaway-Prius story is looking like it could represent less of a PR disaster for the automaker than it originally appeared to be. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Toyota’s Issues May Drive Change in U.S. Brake Standards

Staff / Truthdig Mar 3, 2010 February wasn't a good month for Toyota, what with the fallout from the automaker's recent recall, but Toyota's pain may lead to a gain for U.S. drivers, in the form of a potential requirement for automobiles to include a brake override system. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Toyota’s Big Apology

Staff / Truthdig Feb 23, 2010 Amid major setbacks leading to massive recalls related to unintended acceleration, faulty brakes and other mechanical calamities, Toyota is shifting into damage control mode. On Tuesday, the Japanese carmaker's president, Akio Toyoda, made a personal apology before the U.S. Congress, admitting that his company got ahead of itself, prioritizing growth over quality control. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

And Now for Another Big Toyota Recall

Staff / Truthdig Feb 9, 2010 Sorry, Toyota. Certainly there'll be a slew of jokes about the automaker's old "Oh, what a feeling!" commercials -- oh, wait, too late! -- now that Toyota has caught yet another tough break (sorry again) in the form of a recall of about "436,000 hybrid vehicles worldwide," according to the BBC. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Make It Three: Prius Brakes Could Spark Another Toyota Recall

Staff / Truthdig Feb 5, 2010 The brakes on the 2010 Toyota Prius have prompted a U.S. government investigation and a possible third recall for the troubled automaker, if a report in Japan's biggest business newspaper is to be believed. (continued) Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Toyota Recalls 3.8 Million Cars

Staff / Truthdig Sep 30, 2009 Toyota has announced a recall of eight US models, including the 2004-2009 Prius A problem with floor mats has reportedly caused the deaths of five people so far The BBC calculates the cost of the recall at two years' worth of U sales for the automaker. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

GM Claims Volt Gets 230 MPG

Staff / Truthdig Aug 12, 2009 GM claims its new wonder car, the Volt, gets mileage that makes the Prius look as if it belongs in the cash-for-clunkers program -- 230 MPG in the city. Pick up your jaw, the rating is based on a new EPA methodology and hasn't been confirmed by the agency. The car may also be delayed indefinitely in reaching the market. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Blind People Aren’t Crazy About Your Prius

Staff / Truthdig Apr 30, 2009 Here's the thing about eco-friendly hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius -- they're quiet. Too quiet, if you ask the National Federation of the Blind. Luckily, Sens. John Kerry and Arlen Specter have penned the Pedestrian Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 to address the problem. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Toyota to Post First Loss in 70 Years

Staff / Truthdig Dec 23, 2008 Here's yet another sign of the econo-polcalypse: Toyota Motor Corp., which has been profitable for decades thanks to steady sales and shrewd leadership, has predicted a loss for the first time in 70 years. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )