TOKYO (AP) - Toyota has still not decided whether its president
will appear before the U.S. Congress, the automaker said Monday,
but it promised to look again into possible electronic problems
with its vehicles.
Toyota Motor Corp. has been criticized as being slow in
responding to the unfolding recall crisis, which has ballooned over
the past four months to 8.5 million vehicles globally with problems
with gas pedals, floor mats and brakes.
Calls have been growing for Toyota President Akio Toyoda to
answer questions from U.S. lawmakers. Toyoda told reporters last
week that he planned to go to the U.S., mainly to talk to American
workers and dealers.
Toyota said Toyoda will talk to reporters Wednesday in Tokyo
about the progress of the recall of more than 400,000 Prius cars,
whose braking software is being replaced.
Criticized for initially being largely invisible, Toyoda has
appeared at two recent news conferences, where he has apologized
for the recalls and promised to be more responsive to customers.
Toyota said Wednesday's news conference will also address the
company's approach to quality. Toyota officials refused to give
other details.
Details for Toyoda's U.S. trip are still being worked out, and
it was unclear when a decision could come, according to Toyota.
In Washington, Republican Representative Darrell Issa has said
Toyoda should testify before the House Oversight and Government
Reform Committee on Feb. 24.
In a letter to the committee last week, Toyota attorney Theodore
Hester said the company has carried out "exhaustive and robust"
tests, and does not think there are any electronics problems with
its vehicles, but promised to look into it again.
"In the spirit of the recent commitment made by Mr. Toyoda that
our company will review all safety issues and potential safety
issues with renewed vigor, we will be re-examining these
complaints," it said of reports of sudden acceleration.
In Japan, where brand loyalty to Toyota remains relatively
strong, the world's biggest automaker has been trying to send a
message of remorse to assuage consumers as well.
On Monday, it rolled out a new Japan compact model called Passo
without the usual fanfare for Japanese automakers, such as an
unveiling ceremony with entertainment and a news conference by
executives.
Toyota suddenly canceled the planned event last week,
acknowledging celebration was inappropriate amid the recalls.
Toyota in Tokyo said it had not yet received a notice from the
U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about worries
the series of recalls may next expand to the Corolla.
"We have yet to be contacted by the NHTSA regarding what has
been reported in the press about a power-steering issue in the
Corolla," Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said. "Should we be
contacted about any investigation by NHTSA related to any of our
products, we will cooperate fully."
NHTSA has said it is looking into complaints from drivers about
difficulty with the steering in 2009 and 2010 Corollas which say
they can wander while driving on highways.
Federal officials routinely look into such complaints, and there
is no reason to think a Corolla recall may be imminent. But
Toyota's safety woes are drawing intense scrutiny these days.
In addition to the Feb. 24 hearing, the House Energy and
Commerce Committee has scheduled a Feb. 25 hearing with Toyota
Motor North America chief executive Yoshi Inaba, Transportation
Secretary Ray LaHood and National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration Administrator David Strickland.
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee has
scheduled a March 2 hearing.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
