GM announces expansion of brake override software globally by 2012

General Motors said it will expand use of “enhanced smart pedal,” otherwise known as brake override, globally to all passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control. 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.

GM says that the global rollout will be completed by the end of 2012.

“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.”

– By: Kap Shah