cars news 10: Toyota to Offer Standard Auto Braking on Nearly Every Model by 2017

Toyota and Lexus will make automatic emergency braking a standard feature on almost all of their models by the end of 2017. The commitment puts Toyota ahead of the industry target of 2022 for standardizing the safety technology.

Thanks to a pact formed by 20 automakers, virtually all new cars sold in 2022 will include emergency braking as a standard feature. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates the move will prevent 28,000 crashes and 12,000 injuries in the first three years.

Toyota will offer standard automatic braking through the Toyota Safety Sense package, which will also be included as standard equipment starting next year. Similarly, almost all Lexus models will feature the Lexus Safety System+ package. Both packages offer a pre-collision system designed to help prevent or mitigate the impact of crashes. Not only that, but they also include lane departure alert and automatic high beam assist to improve visibility during nighttime driving.

Twenty-five out of 30 Lexus and Toyota models will come equipped with one of these safety packages as standard equipment by the end of next year. The Toyota Mirai and Scion iA are not included, but are expected to continue offering emergency braking as a standalone standard feature. The Toyota 4Runner, Toyota 86, and Lexus GX will not offer standard emergency braking by the 2017 deadline.

Source: Toyota