Car Concerns With Harry Douglas Harry’s All Over It- A member of the Senate Commerce Committee said Monday that recent revelations about Toyota Motor Corp.'s handling of safety issues should spark new legislation to reform auto safety regulations. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said the disclosure that Toyota told dealers in 31 European nations about sticky pedal problems in September — four months before it took action in the United States -- was unacceptable. Toyota has until Monday to decide whether to challenge a $16.4 million fine imposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over its recall of 2.3 million vehicles for sticky pedal concerns. "The safety of the American people should never be left to negotiation, and Toyota's responsibility to its customers should be the same in Belgium as it would be in Bemidji," Klobuchar said. "Toyota's reported withholding of vital safety information is a glaring sign that NHTSA must be given more authority to ensure driver safety. I will continue to work with the Commerce Committee to develop legislation that will address gaps in highway safety oversight, including strengthening the penalty structure, and provide government regulators with the tools they need." The Import Dealers Lose Dealer Too! Imports drop franchises The crash in 2009 was particularly painful for dealers because, unlike recent recessions, no import brands rode to the rescue. Many up-and-coming brands last year -- Hyundai, Toyota, Volkswagen and Audi -- largely passed on the opportunity to add dealerships as GM, Chrysler and Ford contracted. All combined, import brands claimed 10,589 franchises on Jan. 1 of this year, down 37 from a year before. It's no wonder why. Industry sales crumpled last year, falling by 2.8 million vehicles from an already weak 2008. For much of the year, uncertainty reigned. Nissan and Honda dealers were just as skittish about such issues as poor customer credit scores and reduced store throughput as Dodge ...