Checkered Flag Toyota's blog

From Virginia Beach to Chesapeake Toyota drivers are our priority

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There is a lot of information all over the web regarding the Toyota recalls and it can be very confusing, and time consuming.  For a quick guide to all things recall, visit the Toyota Recalls information page on checkeredflag.com.  You can watch videos outlining the two major recalls and the fixes.  I visited with one of our Toyota Service techs for a demonstration on how to repair the recalled Toyota gas pedal.  Although participating in a recall is less than convenient, keep in mind that Checkered Flag Toyota Service department is centrally located in Hampton Roads for easy access to Virginia Beach, Hampton, Norfolk, and Chesapeake Toyota drivers.  For Checkered Flag’s priority Toyota Service, simply call our Recall Hotline 757-481-8888.

Priority Toyota Service for All Toyota Recall Vehicles

 

 

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The Toyota Recall service is underway at your local Toyota dealer, Checkered Flag Toyota.  Toyota owners are bringing in their affected vehicles each day and experiencing priority Toyota recall service.  All you have to do is call the Recall Hotline 757-481-8888, to schedule your appointment, or you can schedule any time online with Checkered Flag's online service scheduler.  Simply visit Checkeredflag.com and select a date and time that is convenient for you from the list of available appointment times. 

Remember we are centrally located in the Hampton Roads area, so if you are a Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton, or Chesapeake Toyota driver, priority Toyota service is convenient for you! 

Toyota Commercial Addresses Recall Situation- from Checkered Flag Toyota

Everyone is aware of the Toyota Recalls by now.  Folks are having a field day ripping into the brand, and on the flip side, others are on the defensive.  I can understand the confusion people are experiencing, that's why, right now, its important that everyone understands Toyota is working tirelessly on rectifying the situation.  I'm so glad they put together this ad.  It explains how very sorry Toyota is for the inconvenience caused by the recall, and details what steps are being taken to make things right.  They understand the way people feel, and admit in the video that they are disappointed in themselves for letting down the loyal and valued customers affected by the recall.  Personally, I am very impressed with the way they are handling things.  My husband, and in turn, I drive a Toyota Camry, my Dad has a 4Runner, and my two Sisters drive a Corolla and Rav4.. I am not worried one bit about our safety and can assure you that we will still be a Toyota family once all this blows over.  Recalls happen, its how you handle them that matters.  Bravo Toyota for doing things the right way.  I wouldn't have expected anything less.

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Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood Puts Foot in Mouth

Ray LaHood

The newest development in the Toyota Recall media frenzy is a little unbelievable, make that totally unbelievable.  Today everyone was a little shocked and very confused when our Transportation Secretary, Ray LaHood stated that  Toyota owners should "stop driving" their recalled vehicles until they are fixed.  As you can imagine, people were not sure whether or not to heed this warning.  The Secretary's statement was irresponsible and incorrect, as I posted earlier on Checkered Flag Auto Group's Facebook page, there are politics at work here.  

The short version of the story is that there is a new GM recall going into effect regarding issues with steering wheels.  In an attempt to distract from the negative GM news, LaHood fanned the flames of the Toyota Recall situation.  It's a classic diversion tactic.  But why would our Transportation Secretary do that, you ask.  The answer is simple if you think about it.  GM is a government-backed company, remember the bail-out?  There is nothing wrong with defending your own interests, but to attack and blatantly lie about the safety of your competitors brand is downright despicable. 

As clear evidence that the Secretary's remarks were erroneous, LaHood has already retracted his statement  adding, "What I said in there was obviously a misstatement."  Uh, you think??

Toyota has responded with the following press release:

Toyota Statement on Comments by Transportation Secretary LaHood on Feb. 3, 2010

We appreciate Secretary LaHood's clarification of his remarks today about Toyota's recall for sticking accelerator pedals. We want to make sure our customers understand that this situation is rare and generally does not occur suddenly. In the rare instances where it does it occur, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.
Our message to Toyota owners is this - if you experience any issues with your accelerator pedal, please contact your dealer without delay. If you are not experiencing any issues with your pedal, we are confident that your vehicle is safe to drive.
Nothing is more important to Toyota than the safety and reliability of the vehicles our customers drive. Our entire organization of 172,000 North American employees and dealership personnel is working around the clock to fix the accelerator pedals for our customers.

Toyota Motor Sales USA, Inc.

Stay tuned to Checkered Flag Toyota for any and all updates on the Toyota Recall, and if you have any questions please call our Recall Hotline (757) 481-8888.