BMW, Honda, Toyota and others being probed in the US for patent violations

Updated Jan 12, 2021 | Same topic: Latest Consumer Reports

The US is going to carry out an investigation against a number of big automakers and suppliers over an alleged patent violation.

A list of 25 companies in the probe, including BMW, Honda Motor Co Ltd, Toyota Motor Corp, along with Japanese parts suppliers Aisin Seiki Co Ltd and Denso Corp was published last Friday by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).

The investigation began after Intellectual Ventures II, a patent holding firm, filed a complaint with the USITC in March 2017. More specifically, “some thermoplastic parts used in motors, water pumps, electronic power steering units and other powertrain parts made by or used in vehicles sold by the companies infringe on its patents,” according to Automotive News reports.

BMW, Honda, Toyota and others utilize thermoplastic components that violate Intellectual Ventures II's patent.

Numerous high-volume vehicles sold in the U.S. were affected by this complaint. The most notable are the 2016 Toyota Camry, the 2016 BMW 2 Series and the 2017 Honda Accord.

BMW 228i and Honda Civic Si angular side on road

Numerous high-volume vehicles sold in the U.S. were affected by this complaint.

>>> View more: The Honda Civic RS Turbo to offer much beyond being reliable vehicle

The USITC confirmed that it would set a target date to complete its investigation within 45 days of starting the probe.

For car manufacturers, Toyota spokeswoman declined to comment on the matter entirely, while officials in Japan at BMW, Honda, Aisin and Denso did not immediately return requests for comment.

>>> Latest updates on upcoming Honda cars can be found in our Complete guide to the Honda Philippines' local lineup.

US probing BMW, Honda, Toyota, For Alleged Patent Violations

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Toyota

For the local market, Toyota Philippines offers 22 car models. The most affordable of these is the Toyota Wigo hatchback. Toyota also has three sedan models namely the Vios, the Corolla Altis, and the Camry. It then has one entry to the pickup truck segment, the Hilux. For coupes, Toyota Philippines offers two models: the GT 86 and the Supra. The Toyota local SUV segment has four models. These include the Fortuner, Land Cruiser, and Land Cruiser Prado. The Toyota MPV segment for the Philippines has three models: the Avanza, Rush, and the Innova. Then there are two Toyota vans in the Philippine market: the Hiace and the Hiace Super Grandia. For hatchbacks, there's the Wigo, the GR Yaris, Prius, and the Yaris, while the minivan segment then has the Alphard. And lastly, the crossovers sold by Toyota include the Corolla Cross, and the RAV4.

Here at Philkotse.com, we provide the complete Toyota Philippines Price list for 2023, which we update on a monthly basis. Besides that, we also list the latest and hottest car promos ranging from low monthly amortizations, cash discounts, and low downpayments.

For more information about the Toyota Philippines price list for 2023, as well other details regarding the brand, continue below.

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