TEXT OF INTERVIEW

Bill Radke: Toyota’s troubles may be far from over. The company reported yesterday sales fell 16 percent last month, thanks to a massive recall. Now, it’s facing an investigation into its electronics systems. Marketplace’s Amy Scott joins us live from our New York bureau. Good morning.

Amy Scott: Good morning.

Radke: Amy, didn’t a Toyota executive say just a few days ago the gas pedal thing was not an electronics problem?

Scott: Yeah, Jim Lentz, the president of the U.S. division, said “we are convinced” of that issue. Toyota announced a mechanical fix for its sticking gas pedals and dealers are starting repairs this week. But the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration looking whether problems with unintended acceleration might stem from Toyota’s electronic throttle control system. And Congress is holding hearings starting next week.

Radke: And so what if they decide it is the electronics?

Scott: Well mostly it just raises questions about whether the repairs that are starting this week will really fix the problem. Reports say there have been thousands of complaints of sudden acceleration in Toyota and Lexus models, which the company blamed on loose floor mats and then friction in the gas pedal. But regulators apparently aren’t satisfied. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood told Reuters: “We’re not finished with Toyota.”

Radke: Marketplace’s Amy Scott. Thank you.

Scott: Thank you.