Toyota North America

Congress testy as Toyoda testifies

It was a rare sight indeed at the US congress on Wednesday.
 
The head of an overseas corporation being grilled by another country's legislators over his firm's mistakes.
 
Akio Toyoda came to the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee here on Capitol Hill in Washington DC to say he's sorry for the deaths and injuries caused by Toyota's faulty vehicles and to pledge change.
 
"As you well know, 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."
 
He said he feared the speed with which Toyota had pursued the growth of its businesses was greater than the speed at which it was able to develop its people and organisation.