GM expands brake-override safety feature

General Motors is significantly expanding the use of a brake-override safety feature in its cars through the end of 2012.

GM announced on Monday that it will add the software, which it also calls “enhanced smart-pedal technology,” in all of its passenger cars with automatic transmissions and electronic throttle control.

The change will reduce power to the engine when both the throttle and brakes are pressed at the same time. GM said the move is meant to increase consumer confidence in its cars.

“We know safety is top of mind for consumers, so we are applying additional technology to reassure them that they can count on the brakes in their GM vehicle,” Tom Stephens, product vice chairman, said in a statement.

The announcement comes as Toyota grapples with a safety crisis in which it's recalling 8.5 million vehicles and facing questions from governments around the world. Many of the recalled vehicles are the result of potential issues with unintended acceleration. Toyota is expanding the brake-override feature in its cars as well.

GM currently has the brake-override system in the Chevrolet Corvette, Camaro V8, Malibu L4, Colorado V8, Cobalt, and HHR; the GMC Canyon V8, and the Cadillac CTS-V and STS-V.

By Greg Migliore