SEATTLE - Toyota says it has a plan to fix more than two million cars and trucks. But how will local dealerships implement what is expected to be a massive operation?
"We'll put together an assembly line kind of thing," said Bob Gardner, Service Manager for Rodland Toyota of Everett. "We're anxious to get going."
Gardner admits the last few days have been frustrating, as the calls have increased from concerned Toyota drivers wondering when they can bring in their recalled vehicle.
Toyota says it plans on shipping metal plates to dealerships, which will be installed near the accelerators which are the root of the worldwide recall. The company believes the plate, once attached, will ease friction and stop any pedal from sticking or cars from accelerating.
Several accidents nationwide have been blamed on sticky accelerators.
But the parts won't get to Western Washington right away, said Gardner. 700,000 plates will arrive at Toyota's Northwest Distribution Center in Portland in the next couple days, and another 500,000 a couple days after that.
Gardner says it's unclear how quickly, or how many will be sent to his dealership, but he believes they'll be ready to start installing the fix by early next week.
"We're going to try and and move vehicles through as quickly as possible," said Gardner, who believes the fix can be made in 15 to 30 minutes. It will mean his department will have longer hours and extra staff to handle the expected load.
For more information on the recalled models: www.toyota.com/recall/
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