Recalls have left Toyota battered and bruised with a very damaged image that now needs rebuilding. Consumer trust is not easily earned. Toyota knows it, too. The automaker worked for decades to build an image that equated quality and reliability with the company name itself. Now under heavy fire over its handling of the problems that led to the floor mat and gas pedal recalls involving its most popular and important models, Toyota has embarked upon a PR blitz intended to convince frustrated customers and a skeptical media that everything's going to be all right.

It's been over a year since the Audi Sportback concept debuted at the 2009 Detroit Motor Show, and based on these spy shots, it won't be much longer until the production version debuts – we're guessing that it could show up as early as next month's Geneva Motor Show. Dubbed A7, this four-door sedan sports a coupe-like profile and will slot between the A6 and A8 in Audi's lineup. Think of it as a more stylish alternative to the A8 like the Volkswagen CC is to the Passat. Whether or not the market can bear the weight of yet another schizophrenic sedan remains to be seen, as they can already choose between the segment's creator, the Mercedes Benz CLS, and cars like the Jaguar XF and aforementioned Volkswagen CC.

When Kia introduced the original Sportage in North America in the early 1990s, the best thing it had going for it was a low-ball price. There was nothing particularly compelling about the way it looked or drove, though it was at least passable on both counts. When the Geneva Motor Show opens up next month, the third-generation Sportage will finally bring the compact crossover to the head of the class in appearance.

Man, when it rains, it absolutely pours. Especially if you're a carmaker called Toyota and are already embroiled in a credibility-killing (and sales-smothering) gas pedal recall plus another for defective floor mats. According to the Detroit Free Press, none other than U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has absolutely blasted the Japanese giant, calling it "a little safety deaf" and noting he was upset that NHTSA officials had to fly to Japan "to remind Toyota management about its legal obligations." That's just the tip of the spear stuff, too. Check out the shaft:

Since questions were first raised about possible safety defects, we have been pushing Toyota to take measures to protect consumers. While Toyota is taking responsible action now, it unfortunately took an enormous effort to get to this point. We're not finished with Toyota and are continuing to review possible defects and monitor the implementation of the recalls.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 03 February 2010 10:28 ) Read more...