News Blackout: 3,133 customers petition Akio Toyoda

When thousands of customers complain about the policies of a business that has been charged with racketeering, the public most certainly has a right to know. Nonetheless, mainstream news organizations are refusing to publish this story.

Hardcopy of the online petition, "Toyota Owners Unite for Resolution: Engine Oil Sludge" was submitted to President Akio Toyoda, Toyota headquarters, on April 21, 2010, delivery confirmed via signed receipt.  Toyota's response, received May 11, 2010, has been typically nonsensical.

Excerpts from the news release:

3,133 SLUDGE VICTIMS PETITION TOYOTA

Thousands of outraged customers have petitioned Toyota seeking redress for engines damaged by oil sludge.  They allege that Toyota stonewalls and refuses to comply with the terms of a class action settlement, and at least one petitioner has filed a lawsuit.  "No wonder Toyota is charged with racketeering," said Charlene Blake, who initiated the petition.  "Toyota's response to oil sludged engines is the epitome of deceptive business practices."

The release was in standard format (due to a technical problem, the Huffington Post received a summary via their website) and provided ample contact information.  Here is a list of the news organizations that were notified:

LA Times
Washington Post
USA Today
Associated Press
Huffington Post
NY Times
Consumer News
Media Asia
Detroit Free Press