Toyota chief Toyoda apologises for defects

Akio Toyoda, grandson of Toyota’s founder said “I deeply regret that I caused concern among so many people,” adding “We will do our utmost to regain the trust of our customers.”

Toyoda said the company would set up a committee to look at quality issues. With his comments, he became the second successive Toyota President to apologise for defects on the company’s cars — and the second to assemble a committee to address them.

In 2006, his predecessor, Katsuake Watanabe had apologised & said Toyota would improve its quality. But many of the cars involved in two recalls, one for sticking accelerator pedals, the other for floor mats that could become entangled in the pedals, went on sale after that effort.

One car now in question is the 2010 Prius, the newest version of Toyota’s most important car. The automaker said it is working on a solution to fix issues with the cars’ anti-lock brakes, which were redesigned along with the car.

Easing users

Further, Toyoda said “I came out here today because I would not want our customers to spend the weekend wondering whether their cars are safe,” he said.

He refused to answer a question about whether the company has ever withheld information related to safety concerns. “Toyota is committed to safety,” he said.

He added in broken English: “The people who drive Toyota, who cares about Toyota, I’m a little bit worried while they are driving, they feel little bit cautious. But believe me, Toyota’s car is safety but we will try to increase our product better.”