Toyota chief apologises to US; takes full responsibility for recall
26 Feb 2010
President of Toyota Motor Corp., Akio Toyoda, yesterday apologised for the flaws that sparked a worldwide recall of 8.5 million Toyota cars, mostly to fix problems with floor mats trapping gas pedals or with pedals getting stuck.
In a hearing before the US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Capitol Hill, Toyoda said he is taking full responsibility for the massive recall of Toyota cars.
''I'm deeply sorry for any accident that Toyota drivers have experienced,'' Toyoda said, adding that he sincerely regretted that some people actually encountered accidents in their vehicles.
According to reports in The Times last week, at least 19 people have been killed in the US in accidents involving runaway Toyota and Lexus vehicles. This figure is higher than that for all other manufacturers combined. The Times also reported that the acceleration problem in Toyota and Lexus vehicles increased significantly with the automaker installing electronic throttle controls.
Toyoda admitted before the US lawmakers that the company's quality control is not flawless.
"I myself, as well as Toyota, am not perfect,'' he said.