GM gets thrown on hot seat while Toyota takes a cruise

GM gets thrown on hot seat while Toyota takes a cruise

Another dilemma for the auto industry, but there is a difference to this one with General Motors Co. You remember Toyota being sued for the largest auto industry fine ever. But you will notice they had no congressional hearings. Why is that?

They just had to pay the fine without all the fanfare. So the public would not dwell on the subject. All of the problems and in knowing about problems with Toyota were the same as with GM. But GM is given the hot-seat treatment.

This nation has become so anti-American it’s scary. Almost everything we buy is made out of this country.

As to the faulty ignition switches on certain GM cars, I was in quality control when I worked for GM for some years and have first-hand knowledge of quality situations. Points to ponder:

(1) Some years ago, GM put out a memorandum about ignition switches. That information stated that anyone using a key chain with too much on it, making it heavy, could cause a problem with the ignition switch shorting out. How many of the accidents had this situation? You will notice this information was not discussed in the recent GM problem with ignition switches. I am very saddened about the loss of life in the recent problems with the ignition switches.

(2) Even if the ignition switch shorts out, the car still can be controlled. The steering and brakes still will function. The steering can be locked only if the switch is in the lock position, and this does not happen when the switch shorts out. The brakes may not be power brakes, but they still function.

(3) Having the ignition switch short out is certainly an emergency. But, there is something called the emergency brake, of which the ignition switch has no connection in any way.

(4) A car can be put into the neutral position to also keep you from a crash.

(5) The worst part is that people are taught how to drive a car, but are never shown what to do in an emergency. I believe all of the deaths could have been avoided if the above information had been implemented to some degree.

Rea Buttermore, Boardman