General Motors has announced that they will install brake override systems on all automatic transmission vehicles, as well as vehicles equipped with electronic throttle control, by the end of 2012.
The system will work as all other, decreasing power in the engine if the brake and accelerator are depressed at the same time. Enthusiasts don’t have to worry though, as most brake override systems are said to be smart enough to still allow for maneuvers such as left-foot braking and burnouts. GM is presumably taking this safeguard to avoid getting into a mess similar to Toyota’s. No information has been provided on when they will begin the implementation of the systems or what car(s) will be first to receive the change, but we’ll be sure to let you know once we’re told.
Press Release
GM to Expand Brake Override Software Globally by 2012
DETROIT – General Motors will expand use of “enhanced smart pedal” technology globally to all passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control, providing an additional safeguard to enhance customer confidence.
Also known as brake override, the change involves modifying existing electronic controls to reduce power to the engine in cases where the brake and accelerator pedal are being depressed at the same time. The global rollout will be completed by the end of 2012.
GM has had for the past several years a braking performance standard that applies to all cars, trucks and crossovers, requiring that the brakes can stop the vehicle within a specific distance. So brake override is an additional safeguard.
“News media analyses of government data consistently validates that GM’s safety record on this issue is among the strongest in the industry,” said Tom Stephens, vice chairman, GM Global Product Operations. “At the same time, we know safety is top of mind for consumers, so we are applying additional technology to reassure them that they can count on the brakes in their GM vehicle.”
The rollout plan balances the speed of implementation with validation needed to assure that customers feel no deterioration in drivability.
About General Motors: General Motors, one of the world’s largest automakers, traces its roots back to 1908. With its global headquarters in Detroit, GM employs 204,000 people in every major region of the world and does business in some 140 countries. GM and its strategic partners produce cars and trucks in 34 countries, and sell and service these vehicles through the following brands: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, FAW, GMC, GM Daewoo, Holden, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling. GM’s largest national market is the United States, followed by China, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy. GM’s OnStar subsidiary is the industry leader in vehicle safety, security and information services. General Motors acquired operations from General Motors Corporation on July 10, 2009, and references to prior periods in this and other press materials refer to operations of the old General Motors Corporation. More information on the new General Motors can be found at www.gm.com.
Source: General Motors