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On 24th February Akio Toyoda attended a hearing of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform at Washington titled, "Toyota Gas Pedals: Is the Public At Risk".
For the hearing, Mr. Toyoda had to submit a written testimony in advance and be prepared to provide a five minute opening statement answering questions posed by Members of the Committee.
Excerpts from Toyoda's written testimony:
"Quite frankly, I fear the pace at which we have grown may have been too quick…Toyota’s priority has traditionally been the following: First; Safety, Second; Quality, and Third; Volume. These priorities became confused, and we were not able to stop, think, and make improvements as much as we were able to before…and our basic stance to listen to customers’ voices to make better products has weakened somewhat. I am the grandson of the founder, and 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."
During the Wednesday hearing, despite the blistering criticism, Mr. Toyoda repeatedly apologized for the deadly defects in the popular models produced by his company. However, the not-so-happy lawmakers declared that it was not enough.
