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publication date: Apr 6, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
U.S. regulators yesterday proposed fining Toyota Motor Corp the maximum penalty of $16.4 million. They said the company failed to notify the government in a timely way about accelerator pedal flaws that were the subject of a massive recall in January. GM has become the latest carmaker promising to install brake override systems in new cars in anticipation of stricter regulatory standards. A change in regulations is expected in response to public concern over faulty accelerators fuelled by Toyota’s recent mass recalls. The brake override system ensures that power to the engine is cut when the brake and accelerator are applied simultaneously. Automobile Association Ltd. patrolmen may announce this week that they’re going on strike. The Independent Democratic Union, which represents AA employees, will announce the results of a ballot on industrial action on Wednesday because they are unhappy about proposed changes to their pensions. Oil prices have risen amid growing optimism that improved US job creation will boost economic recovery and lead to higher demand for crude. In the first day of trading after the Easter break, US light crude added 1.51% to reach $86.64 a barrel. However, oil prices are still a long way from the record highs above $147 a barrel that they reached in July 2008. Japanese insurance companies have started introducing lower than average premiums for environmentally friendly cars. Typically the premium are 3pc lower than they would be for a comparable car which had higher emissions. Hitachi has developed a material that can double the life of lithium ion batteries. It will be tested in prototypes for “smart grids” to provide uninterruptable emergency supplies later this year and will be developed for heavy industry and electric vehicles as well. |
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