The chief executive of Japanese car giant Toyota apologised today to the US Congress and millions of American Toyota owners for safety lapses that led to deaths and widespread vehicle recalls over accelerator and brake failures.
Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder of the world’s largest car maker, raised his hand and took an oath to tell the truth before speaking in English. “I’m deeply sorry for any accident that Toyota drivers have experienced,” he said.
Mr Toyoda, dressed in a dark suit, had entered the committee room briskly amid a phalanx of cameras. Committee chairman Edolphus Towns welcomed Mr Toyoda and thanked him for volunteering to testify. “We’re very impressed with that. It shows your commitment to safety as well,” he said.
The chief executive pledged his company would change the way it handles consumer complaints, including seeking greater input from drivers and outside safety experts when considering a recall.
Toyota managers will also drive cars under investigation to experience potential problems first hand.
However, Mr Toyoda told the congressional hearing there was no problem with the electronics of Toyota vehicles despite suggestions from some safety experts that there was a connection to unwanted acceleration.
He said he was “absolutely confident” that the electronics of Toyota’s accelerator pedal systems were not the source of problems with a number of Toyota vehicles speeding out of control.
Toyota has recalled some eight million vehicles over problems with accelerator pedals catching on floor mats and pedals that can get stuck. The company has said it has not found evidence that electronics are a factor.
Nevertheless, Mr Toyoda said the company was installing brake pedals which can override the accelerator in case of unintended acceleration.
Mr Toyoda read from prepared notes, which had been released the day before.
“My name is on every car. You have my personal commitment that Toyota will work vigorously and unceasingly to restore the trust of our customers,” he said.
He delivered his short comments clearly in somewhat accented English. However, when the questioning session began, he switched to Japanese with the help of a translator.
Asked by Mr Towns if Toyota had divulged all the safety information it has to US officials, Mr Toyoda said through the interpreter: “We fully share the information we have with the authorities.”
Appearing with him was Yoshimi Inaba, head of Toyota Motor North America.
AP