Toyota Explains, Demonstrates Noisemaker coming standard in all 2012 Prius models

I wonder if this noisemaker will be on the 2012 Camry Hybrid.

 

To my knowledge with the legislation that was signed any vehicle that is a hybrid/PHEV/EV will be required to have some form of these noise generators if the engine is off at low speed. So the Camry hybrid would be required to as well.. My only question is will the legislation be retroactive, or just cover the 2012 and up models. My 2012 Volt does not have one of these generators so I suspect at some point I may be getting a dealer call back to put one on.. At the moment it has a quick pulse high pitch horn beep at the end of the light stalk that I manually activate as a ped warning.

 

Yes that is my understanding of the legislation too. But I also believe the automakers have a phase in period of a couple of years before they have to put this noisemaker in all hybrids.
I have read it may take several years before all hybrids in the dealers lots have noisemakers.

As for the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid ,apparently is not yet available in my area.
I checked the toyota description of the features of the 2012 Camry Hybrid and didn't see anything about a noisemaker. I guess I'll just have to wait until the hybrid Camry cars show up at the dealers and see if they have the noisemaker.

 

Interesting.. Maybe the 2012's are not affected like I thought they were. Would explain why the Volt does not have the mandatory noise maker at low speeds. I can only hope this is the case.. That 2012 Camry looks like a sick ride. It I didn't already have a Prius in the stable I probably would get one. Seeing as they just unvieled them probably will be a few months before they start hitting the lots I would think?

 

The 2012 Camry arrived earlier than expected at the dealers and are already at the local Carmax at Laurel Md. However no 2012 Camry Hybrids yet just the regular Camrys.

 

My uncle had the 2010 Camry Hybrid, and then traded it on a regular gas 2011 Camry (have no idea why).. He regrets getting rid of that car. Especially since he moved back to California. His Hybrid Camry is what originally convinced me to buy the Prius as I then realized the technology really was legit.

 

The Proximity Notification System sounds like the family flying saucer on the cartoon "The Jetsons"

 

Yeah, it does. "Meet George Jetson.....".

I have a feeling that Toyota is going to get a lot more negative feedback about this noisemaker than they expected. And that it could even negatively affect the sales figures for the 2012 Prius.

 

An exaggeration given that all new hybrids/EV will be required to have it and it's not like those buyers are in the market for regular gas vehicles. Plus it'll be easily disabled by a DIYer.

 

This is discrimination. ALL vehicles should be required to have this noise pollution device if they are going to require them on hybrids and EVs. A brand new Lexus or Toyota is virtually silent at low speeds. How many times have you said "Is the engine on?"

*Star Trek costume sold separately
(but may not be required once your neighbors hear your spaceship coming down the street)

Has an environmental impact report been conducted? What effect do these noise pollution devices have on child development, wildlife, and society (adult human mental conditions) ?
Did the Congress members that voted on this bill have these noise pollution devices installed on their own cars for six weeks before voting? I think the Supreme Court needs to put this legislation on hold until the proper impact reports can be completed.

 

Guess what my noisemaker in my Prius is?.... It's called a freakin Horn!

This comes in the same category as the "Caution, content is hot" in a coffee cup warning labels...

 

So then Toyota just needs to put a warning sticker on the center of the steering wheel that says "Warning: honk when approaching pedestrians."
Problem solved

 

But a footnote to say not to honk at elderly people or those with pacemakers.

Then you can spend all your time reading the steering wheel instead of driving.

Simple MacGuyver solution: duct tape the steering wheel so the horn just constantly blows. Turn up the radio to drown it out on the inside of the cabin. Pedestrians will notice them coming, and will still jump out infront of them.


Yesterday at walmart driving along slowly near the front of the store, not by either crosswalk, I see some guy standing on the rocky curb thinking about crossing to get into the store. I stare at him "i know what you're thinking, don't do it", he looks back at me. About a second later and a few feet closer to him, he decides now is as good a time as any and springs into action. I doubt a noisemaker would have prevented this. Perhaps he would have been confused enough at the warble that instead of crossing he would just look perplexingly at the car, but I doubt that's Toyota's intent.

 

Put cowcatchers on the front of the Prii.

 

And replace pedestrians with cows. Cows are often smarter.

 

And tastier. People taste just like chicken.

 

If Toyota is so concerned about not hitting pedestrians, perhaps they could do something about the Brobdingnagian A pillars.

 

i will never buy a car with this horrid noise

 

I am against any additional noise pollutions, but have no choice at this point. I think the futuristic/spaceship sound will get Prii and their drivers, a lot more attention.