Toyota chief pledges safety changes
Akio Toyoda, head of Toyota, took full responsibility for the automaker's safety problems and suggested his company got its priorities confused. Bob Moon reviews what he said at a House committee hearing.
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BOB MOON: “I am deeply sorry.” Those four simple words were the starting point today for the head of the world’s largest automaker.
Akio Toyoda delivered his apology to a packed congressional hearing room. He took full responsibility for that series of safety lapses which have led to deadly runaway crashes.
AKIO Toyoda: 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.
Toyoda candidly suggested his company grew too fast and got its priorities confused. And he vowed that will change…
Toyoda: Management will make responsible decision from the perspective of customer safety first.
The Toyota chief is pledging to improve the way consumer complaints are handled, and seek greater input from outside safety experts.