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Mazda To Install Brake Overrides On Future Models

By Bengt Halvorson
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Mazda Motor Corp. (7261:JP) plans to install so-called smart throttles—incorporating brake overrides—in all of its future models, reported Automotive News, citing automaker officials in Japan.

The move appears to be a purely preemptive measure, or an added safety feature, as the Japanese automaker is not aware of any instances of unintended acceleration, a company spokesman in Japan told AN.

In such a system, any press of the brake pedal would override the throttle, so even if the throttle (or accelerator pedal) were to stick open, the driver could come to a safe stop and the engine would return to idle. There might also be an additional mechanical check to supplement electronic signals.

Toyota recently announced that it would install brake-override systems in all of its U.S. models by 2011. The 2010 Toyota Avalon and Camry models already have the devices, while the Sequoia, Venza, and Tacoma will soon get them.

In light of recent federal hearings regarding the Toyota accelerator-related issues, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is considering a recommendation that all U.S. new vehicles be equipped with these brake overrides, which cost about $50 per vehicle.

According to Automotive News, Nissan is the only Japanese automaker to use a brake override across (almost) its entire lineup, while Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Chrysler include the feature on many vehicles.

[Automotive News, via Autoblog]


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Comments (2)

  1. By andrewnelson Posted: 3/9/2010 8:45pm PST

    This is stupid. Go back to throttle cables. Problem solved.
     
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  2. By Theresa Posted: 12/27/2010 4:10pm PST

    Not that far out there. I have a Mazda 3 and twice while braking my car accelerated first and than after a brief second or two started to brake. I feel this may have happened a third time today but I was too busy standing on my brakes to try and avoid an accident that I wasn't watching my rpm's or paying attention to the sound of the engine. However, I KNOW that the ABS did not kick in. Just so you know...I wound up hitting the car in front of me. Not sure of the total damage yet, but I KNOW I was not speeding or tailgating and had plenty of time to stop.
     
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