Honda to install brake override systems on all models

Honda Motor said Thursday it is installing brake override safety systems in all of its same-name and Acura-brand vehicles in the future to improve car safety in the wake of recent recalls.

The technology, which cuts engine power to prevent potential runaway car accidents, will be applied "on 100 percent of Honda and Acura passenger vehicles" produced for North America by the end of 2011, Honda said.

The first wave of cars with the installed system will come to market in August, Japan's second-largest automaker added, with plans to roll out the technology worldwide at a later date.

"We are planning to install the system to vehicles sold in the rest of the world as well, but the timeframe in other regions is not decided yet," said spokesman Hideto Maehara.

In the past year Honda has announced recalls for around 1.5 million vehicles globally over a variety of issues, including more than 400,000 in the United States in March over "soft" brakes.

Honda's rival and world's biggest automaker Toyota has also pledged to fit all new models with the safety system after recalling around 10 million vehicles due to issues involving unintended acceleration.

A brake override system cuts power to the engine in cases when the brake and accelerator are being depressed at the same time and should allow drivers to bring the vehicle to a stop.

(c) 2010 AFP