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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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Amid Controversy, Toyota's Public (Clip) Art Transforms

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Remember last year when Toyota partnered with advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi to make low quality looking floralscapes along various local freeways? They're ads for the Prius line without specifically being an ad. Well, it looks like this week some guerilla artists took it upon themselves to advertise Toyota's current recall and controversy over mechanical failures, which led to some deadly consequences.

"You Reap What You Sow," a sign reads under Toyota's sign next to 34 crosses over black sheeting, creating an ad hoc memorial. Photographer Matthew Lahey said it was taken down soon after it was installed. "Who says Toyota, and the city of LA, for that matter, don't work fast?" he quipped.

As Curbed LA points out, the Toyota controversy has local roots. The LA Times broke the story--"Runaway Toyota cases ignored"--way back in November. Toyota back then fervently denied it. "[The article] wrongly and unfairly attacks Toyota's integrity and reputation," the company said.

Previously: L.A. Launches its Own Investigation into Toyota

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