In light of the recent worldwide recall on Toyota vehicles--namely, the Toyota Prius model, Senator Moore recently contacted the State Purchasing Agent to ensure that state-owned Prius' were being properly checked for safety.  Receiving a prompt reply, Senator Moore was thanked for his diligence in ensuring everyone's safety, and was offered detailed answers to his question.  Read the exchange below:

February 18, 2010

Ms. Ellen Bickelman, State Purchasing Agent
Operational Services Division (OSD)

Dear Ms. Bickelman:

In driving along the Massachusetts Turnpike on my way to work on Beacon Hill, I've noticed several Toyota Prius models with official state license plates. In light of Toyota expanding its recall to include the Prius model, I would like to know how many of these the state has in its fleet and what the state is currently doing to get these cars repaired. Additionally, have there been any issues reported by state employees assigned these vehicles or have any of these employees been involved in accidents which may have been caused by the manufacturer defect?

While energy conservation and fuel efficiency are important goals, the primary goal in purchasing state vehicles must be safety - for the state employees using the vehicles and for the driving public in vehicles around them. We should make sure that the manufacturer takes full responsibility for any repairs. 

I look forward to your response. Thank you

Sincerely,

Senator Richard T. Moore

---

February 22, 2010

Senator Richard T. Moore
State Senator, Worcester & Norfolk District

Dear Senator Moore:

I am writing in response to your February 18th inquiry regarding state-owned Toyota Prius' and your question regarding the recent safety recall of these models.  The Commonwealth presently owns 82 Toyota Prius' in its vehicle inventory.  The recent Toyota Prius recalls do not affect any of the Commonwealth's existing vehicles.  The current recall for brakes only affects Model Year 2010 Prius' of which the Commonwealth has none.

Another earlier recall involved floor mats but none of the state vehicles were ordered with any floor mats per our specification.  However, to ensure public safety, Dan Bowen, the Director of the Office of Vehicle Management (OVM), notified any agencies with Toyota Prius' at the time of the recall that if they had purchased floor mats, they must be removed immediately.  Based on the response from agencies with Prius models in their fleet, no agencies reported to have purchased any floor mats.  Finally, OVM has not received any reports from state employees assigned to these vehicles of performance issues nor have there been any reported accidents involving Prius' which may have been caused by manufacturer defect.

I hope this information addresses your concerns.  If I can be of additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely, 

Ellen Bickelman
State Purchasing Agent