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Toyota settles first wrongful death suit related to unintended acceleration

Toyota's sales seem to have rebounded from the unintended acceleration issues from 2009 and 2010, but the automaker is far from done dealing with this situation. Following a settlement worth up to $1.4 billion for economic loss to affected vehicle owners, Toyota has settled rather than going to trial in a wrongful death lawsuit stemming from an accident in Utah in 2010 that left two passengers dead. This isn't the first case in which Toyota has settled, but it was the first among a consolidated group of cases being held in Santa Ana, CA.
According to The Detroit News, this case was scheduled to take place next month, and it was for a November 2010 incident in which Paul Van Alfen and Charlene James Lloyd were killed in a Camry when, based on findings by the Utah Highway Patrol, the accelerator got stuck causing the car to speed out of control and hit a wall; the terms of the settlement were not announced.
The article says that while Toyota will settle on some cases, it doesn't plan on settling on all of them as it still wants to be able to "defend [its] product at trial." This will probably be the case in suits claiming that software for the drive-by-wire accelerator was the cause of an accident in a Toyota or Lexus vehicle. The question of whether or not the electronic accelerator played any role in this problem has been a hot-button topic since the beginning. Toyota has issued recalls in the past to attempt to prevent unintended acceleration caused by trapped floor mats and faulty accelerator pedals, but it also says driver error was to blame in some instances.

Lexus to open stores with branded accessories [w/video]

Trying to build a boutique buying atmosphere with a large-volume premium brand isn't easy, but Lexus is attempting to do just that by introducing its new Intersect By Lexus dealership experience. This aspect of Lexus retailing has nothing to do with cars and everything to do with luxury lifestyle accessories. Intersect By Lexus is effectively an all-in-one shopping destination for high-quality, hand-crafted designer products, many of them created specifically for the marque, right down to their "Crafted for Lexus" branding.
The first Intersect By Lexus store will open at the end of this month in Tokyo, with other stores planned for New York and Dubai. Going over the first store's initial product list, it seems that each store will offer wares that reflect its location. Some of the products available at Intersect By Lexus Tokyo include a $400 minimalist LED desk light, hand-sewn $286 tablet cover and a $133 drip coffeemaker and cup set handmade from the ash of Japan's Sakurajima volcano. Scroll down for a short video showing how some of these products were made.

Lexus CT 200h gets four changes for 2016

As Toyota rolls out its updated 2016 model range, it's clear that some refreshes are fresher than others. Whereas the 2016 Scion tC got breathed on, the 2016 Lexus CT 200h gets a mere glance, and only for a moment. Just four items differentiate the coming model from the one currently on sale, and three of those are optional: a chrome surround for the grille is standard; a moonroof, Lexus Enform Remote, and Lexus Service Connect are options. Lexus Enform Remote gives owners control of the car through an iOS or Android smartphone app so they can do things like unlock and lock the doors, remote start the engine, and locate the vehicle. Lexus Service Connect works through iOS or LexusDrivers.com site only and provides notes on vehicle health. Both services are by subscription. The CT 200h doesn't make a lot of headlines but it's a good performer for Lexus. It wins awards, it's the only luxury hybrid to get more than 40 miles per gallon, it's put up consistent sales numbers for the four years it's been on the market, and it's the brand's second-best-selling hybrid globally after the RX hybrid. We've already told you what's new, the press release below can tell you everything else you'd want to know. Related Video: 2016 Lexus CT 200h Offers Compact Attitude With Impressive MPG - 42 MPG EPA Estimated Combined Fuel Economy - F SPORT Package Delivers Sporty Performance - Peace of Mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect July 24, 2015 - What do you get when Lexus melds a sporty luxury compact with an environmentally conscientious attitude? The 2016 CT 200h. With an EPA-estimated 42 MPG combined fuel economy the CT 200h is one of six hybrid models Lexus offers for 2016. Lexus has been the hybrid luxury leader since it introduced the first luxury hybrid more than 10 years ago. The CT 200h broke new ground for Lexus, introducing the brand to a younger generation of highly discerning customers. They, too, quickly discovered the refinement and driving pleasure that characterize the progressive luxury inherent in every Lexus. A sporty chassis keeps the CT 200h connected to the road's curves, and for 2016, the dashing look is enhanced with a chrome surround grille. Drivers can also now opt in for additional peace of mind with Lexus Enform Remote and Lexus Enform Service Connect. Lexus Enform Remote (subscription required), allows the owner to remotely view and control certain vehicle features using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices.