The affected vehicles, according to Car and Driver, are

• 2009-2010 Toyota Carolla
• 2009-2010 Highlander
• 2009–2010 Venza
• 2009–2010 Matrix
• 2009–2010 Pontiac Vibe (same as the Matrix underneath)

As the gas pedal mechanism becomes worn, the pedal becomes harder to push, or slower to return to the idle position, due to resistance from the all-weather rubber floor mats. Except in the worst case of uncontrollable acceleration, this should not occur suddenly but be noticeable over time.

If you own one of the above recall models and experience this defect while driving, experts suggest that you do not pump the brakes. This depletes the vacuum needed by the power brake assembly. Instead, shift your car to neutral, use both feet on the brake pedal, bring the car to a complete stop and turn it off. Remember never to remove the key while driving as this will lock the steering wheel. If you have an engine start/stop button, push it for at least three seconds to turn the car off. And finally, report the incident to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

About ten years ago, Toyota made the decision to use non-Japanese suppliers to produce more cheaply and expand market share. It worked. In 2008, they eclipsed GM as the world’s largest car manufacturer, continuing the trend in 2009 even as the entire market shrank. But it would appear that what they saved in cost, they wasted in quality. In November 2009, the NHTSA mandated a recall, based on four deaths in California of an off-duty highway patrolmen, his wife, daughter and brother-in-law.

That Toyota was forced by American authorities to recall their cars is just the latest in a pattern of denial, according to the LA times. In a scathing expose last month, they alleged that Toyota has known about the problem since 2000, but deemed it more profitable at the outset to deny it, or blame the driver. As cases went to litigation, their denial took the form of out-of-court settlements and non-disclosure agreements, some reaching seven figures. They drew criticism from the courts for ignoring requests for evidence, but chose instead to pay the fines. (So far, Toyota hasn’t shared black box passwords or accident data, claiming that the recording device is a proprietary prototype).

When they found the pedal problem in the Camry and Lexus ES two years ago, their only “repair” was a warning label … on the underside of the floor mat. Even as the deaths in California brought the issue to light, Toyota publicly insisted that no default existed, drawing an uncharacteristically sharp rebuttal from the NHTSA, which called their statements “inaccurate and misleading.”

It is clear that Toyota will not walk away from this without a scratch. Edmunds.com forecast a dip in Toyota’s market share from around 18% (it’s high in 2008) to 14.7%, its lowest point since March of 2006. Sales figures will be released Tuesday, but they are expected to show a decrease of 45% for December and 11.9% for January. Though Toyota is running apology ads in major newspapers on Sunday or Monday, but many industry experts agree that the damage has already been done. Though the typical consumer has a short memory span, this issue will be in the media spotlight long enough for even the shortest memories.

Since the US is the second largest natural gas producer worldwide (CIA Factbook, 2009), we will be — as the mantra goes — finally “decreasing our dependency on foreign oil.” HK’s car will get 45 miles per gallon, and emit about three ounces per mile of CO2 exhaust (or 50 grams per kilometer).

Natural Gas Vehicles (or NGVs) are the latest trend in green, environmentally friendly cars, as they emit 93 percent less carbon monoxide than regular gas vehicles. Although they cost about $30,000 to $50,000 more to produce, natural gas is just one third the price of regular gas, and is much more stably priced. If that is not enough to convince a buyer to front the extra cost, NGVs typically require less routine maintenance than regular cars, because the gas burns so cleanly that there is less wear and tear on engine parts.

On the flip side, though there are around 120,000 NGVs in the US (mostly fleet vehicles), as of last year, there are only 1,300 fueling stations for NGVs with many not open to the public. Riders complain that NGVs aren’t roomy, as the lower-density gas needs more storage space. Finally, NGVs have more limited range than regular gas vehicles, around 220 miles compared to 350 miles for the same car (Honda Civic GX vs. Civic).

The eight initial models for the HK plant will be designed by world-famous designer Giorgetto Guigiaro, of DeLorean fame (featured in the “Back to the Future” movie series. He also did a 2006 Mustang prototype). The concept car of this week’s press conference was in fact the Quaranta, recycled from the 2008 Geneva International Motors Show, a fact that was not denied, but not publicized either. It’s generally acknowledged that this is not likely to be the production model (whew! it has two front passenger seats, with the driver in the middle), but the flagship product is to be a sports car.

HK plans to produce about one million cars annually when it meets full capacity in 2018, and later produce vans, trucks and SUVs. When production begins in 2012, it will bring the US back to 14 million cars per year, with HK motors producing a significant share of the domestic auto market.

Toyota is planning to increase its sales everywhere it operates and penetrate into new and emerging economies. Company is aiming to increase its sales in Asian markets by 60% in next three years. Japan’s demestic market for cars is sluggish and a fear of possible slowdown in American economy could dampen some of the companies ambitious plans.

Toyota wants to reach the sales figure of 10.4 million cars in 2009 but its penetration in India, Brazil, Russia and especially Chinease market will be deciding factor. Toyota reaches 52 production bases in 25 countries.

The turnaround for Toyota happened in 1997 with the launch of Toyota Prius Hybrid car. Since 2002, Toyota’s sales have amplified by 600,000 to 700,000 units each year.

Toyota intends to increase Chinese sales advertising for its conventional sedans, such as Camry and Corolla, and to further increase local assembly.

In Brazil, Toyota plans to augment sales of Corolla models that sprint on bio-ethanol fuel. In Russia, local production of Camry models will start late this year and sales networks will be reinforced.

In up-and-coming markets like India and Brazil, Toyota plans to pace up expansion and local manufacture of economical models seen as being the key to success.

In China, which possibly will become a key battleground for global automakers, many companies have entered and fight has been intensifying.

In India, Toyota lags behind some makers, including domestic player Suzuki Motor Corp. It is doubtful whether as latecomers, Toyota yield can be accepted in the country.