In many vehicles nowadays, you can check your e-mail, view Web sites, even watch television, from the comfort of your driver’s seat.

You can, that is, if you live in Europe or in Japan….

Fear of legal action has also stopped Toyota from offering its Intelligent Parking Assist feature, which is now available on the hybrid gas-electric Prius model sold in Japan.

Executives say they “must worry about lawsuits” if potential dashboard distractions fall into the hands of Americans. A Toyota corporate sales manager says there are no plans to make the intelligent-parking feature available in the United States, either: “This is a very litigious society.” (Eric A. Taub, “Three Amazing Things Your Automobile Can’t Do”, New York Times, Oct. 27).

Filed under: autos, Europe, Toyota