Toyota recalled 1.33 million Corolla sedans and Matrix hatchbacks in the U.S. and Canada Thursday because their engines may stall, the latest in a string of quality problems at the Japanese automaker. The recall covers vehicles from the 2005-2008 model years sold in the U.S. and Canada. Three accidents and one minor injury have been reported, though Toyota said a link to the engine issue has not been confirmed. Toyota’s latest recall is one of its largest since it began recalling cars and trucks last October. The automaker has now recalled more than 10 million vehicles worldwide for problems that run from faulty gas pedals and floor mats that can trap accelerators, to problems with its Prius hybrid. Toyota said Corollas and Matrixes equipped with 1ZZ-FE engines may contain a defective engine control module, the computer that regulates the performance of the engine.
Sonosite wins OK in catheter guidance
Bothell-based SonoSite Inc., the maker of portable ultrasound equipment, has received government approval of its LumenVu catheter guidance system, the company announced. It said the product replaces traditional guide wires for catheter placement and can track catheters advancing through a vein. “Receiving FDA clearance is an important milestone in the strategic development and global commercialization of the LumenVu System,” said Kevin Goodwin, SonoSite’s president and CEO. He said the company expects to use the guidance system technology to develop new products in the future..
Airline lapse results in $24 million fine
Federal officials are seeking a record penalty of $24.2 million against American Airlines over maintenance lapses that caused thousands of canceled flights in 2008. American said the civil penalty was unwarranted and it would appeal. The dispute dates to 2008, when American had to cancel more than 3,000 flights — inconveniencing 350,000 passengers — until wiring could be fixed to the satisfaction of the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA said Thursday that the improper harnessing of wires on American’s McDonnell Douglas MD-80-series jets — about half its fleet at the time — could have led to fires and even fuel-tank explosions.
Google offers Gmail browser phone calls
Google is offering the ability to make and receive phone calls on a Web browser from Gmail — putting the Mountain View, Calif., Internet giant into competition with online phone services such as Skype. According to a post Wednesday on Google’s official blog, the Gmail phone service will roll out to U.S. users over the next few days. Calls to phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada will be free “at least the rest of the year,” according to the post. Gmail users also can purchase credits $10 at a time to place international calls, with rates starting at 2 cents a minute.
From Herald staff and news services
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