Toyota & " Black Boxes "

Don · #1 (**permalink**) 02-23-2010, 01:38 PM

A few weeks + ago, either the WSJ or NYT mentioned the black boxes, i.e. event data recorders ( EDR ) , on the Toyota are proprietary in a non-standard format that can only be accessed by Toyota.

GM, Ford and Chrysler all have standard format EDRs where there is open access. The DOT Gov decree to allow open access on Toyota's version will not become effective until 2012.

427sharpe · #2 (**permalink**) 02-23-2010, 07:09 PM

I think the Toyota guys are in for a shock when they see how it is to be the big bully on the block. Certainly whatever insider is providing internal memos to the Congress and the press is not doing them any favors. Sure doesn't look good to be gloating on how you 'managed' the recall and saved $100 million while people are getting killed. Not a good day for the sons of the rising sun, to be sure!

bomelia · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2010, 07:06 AM

Reminds me of the Ford CEO that was interviewed after the Pinto "exploding gas tank" problem. The CEO actually admitted on 60 Minutes that they had calculated the "value" of a human life and determined that fixing the problem was cost ineffective. I bet I am not the only one who remembers that. And folks will remember these blunders by Toyota for a long time as well.

Mike