Automaker must tow the line
Toyota yesterday agreed to pick up recalled vehicles in New York at their owners’ homes upon request and provide a free loaner while they are repaired.
“It is unacceptable that New York consumers should face additional burdens when dealing with a safety problem that is Toyota’s responsibility,” said Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who helped forge the agreement.
Owners can call their local dealerships to make arrangements.
The deal, which headed off possible legal action by the attorney general, came as the feds separately raided a key Toyota supplier in Southfield, Mich., as part of an antitrust investigation.
“The antitrust division is investigating the possibility of anticompetitive cartel conduct,” Justice Department spokeswoman Gina Talamona said of the raids at Denso Corp. “We are coordinating with the European Commission and other foreign competition authorities.”
Denso is one of two suppliers of gas pedals that Toyota uses in the United States.
But it’s a competitor, CTS Corp., that is blamed for supplying the faulty accelerators that have been causing the sticking problems.

