Following in Toyota ’s footsteps, Mazda has announced it will install a brake override system on its future models. Toyota announced it would launch a brake override system on its 2011 models following two safety recalls involving nearly 9 million vehicles worldwide.
Although Mazda hasn’t experienced wide-spread unintended acceleration complaints like Toyota, the Japanese automaker is taking the precaution to quell any possible customer concerns.
Mazda ’s technology will cut power to the engine if the vehicle senses both the brake and accelerator pedals are being pushed at the same time. Mazda failed to announce what vehicle would be the first to carry the technology — or when — saying only “future vehicles worldwide†would be equipped with the system.
Cross-country rival Nissan already equips most of its vehicles with a form of brake override, with Honda , Suzuki and Mitsubishi considering similar systems. Mercedes-Benz , Volkswagen and Chrysler also have similar systems in place.
Brake override systems may not be optional for vehicle makers in the future, though, as the U.S. government is considering making such technology mandatory on all vehicles sold here.
