Free Republic

DETROIT -- At least 15 Toyota drivers have complained to U.S. safety officials that their cars sped up by themselves even after being fixed under recalls for sticky gas pedals or floor mat problems, according to an Associated Press analysis. The development raises questions about whether Toyota's repairs will bring an end to the cases of wild, uncontrolled acceleration or if there may be electronic causes behind the complaints that have dogged the automaker. Although the allegations were unverified by the agency, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday it was contacting people who have complained about acceleration problems...

RANCHO CORDOVA - With opposition growing among Democrats statewide, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger moved Wednesday to shore up his environmental credentials by touting the reinstatement of a program to take older, polluting autos off the road. With a Sacramento-area auto yard as the backdrop, Schwarzenegger announced that the state is again offering $1,000 to car owners who voluntarily retire older vehicles that cannot meet the state's smog control standards. The goal is to take as many as 15,000 high-polluting vehicles off the road annually during the next 10 years. "This will pay big dividends for California," the governor said at a...