Toyota boss tells Congress he is 'deeply sorry' for safety fears
Toyota boss tells Congress he is 'deeply sorry' for safety fears
Thursday 25th February 2010
Toyota's president has told the US Congress he is "deeply sorry" for the safety problems which led to 8.5 million vehicles around the world being recalled.Akio Toyoda was called to explain in person how the safety issues raised by faulty accelerators and brakes came about.
The head of the Japanese company said the pace at which the car manufacturer had grown may have been responsible.
"I fear the pace at which we have grown may have been too quick," he said on Wednesday.
"Toyota's priorities have been first safety, second quality and third volume. These priorities became confused."
"[Our] basic stance to listen to customers' voice[s] to make better products has weakened somewhat."
Under questioning at the session, Mr Toyoda refuted suggestions faults with the electronics had been discovered in any of Toyota's vehicles.
In a statement circulated before his appearance the Toyota president also said he took full responsibility for the problems.
"All the Toyota vehicles bear my name. For me, when the cars are damaged, it is as though I am as well. I, more than anyone, wish for Toyota's cars to be safe, and for our customers to feel safe when they use our vehicles," he declared.
Mr Toyoda confirmed he would lead a new committee on global quality and that the car manufacturer will set up a safety advisory board led by two independent experts.
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