Toyota waited until Jan. 19 to disclose to U.S. safety officials that millions of its vehicles could accelerate on their own – a problem they had known for one year, the Wall Street Journal disclosed today.
In an article by WSJ reporters Kate Linebaugh, Dionne Searcey and Norihiko Shirouze, the newspaper disclosed that during the meeting with American regulators, two top Toyota executives revealed that sudden acceleration by its vehicles were caused by more than floor mats pinning the gas pedal. The problem, they allegedly revealed, also involved the design of its gas pedals.
“The two top officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “were steamed,” according to a person who discussed the meeting with both sides. As the meeting closed, NHTSA chief David Strickland hinted at using the agency’s full authority, which can include subpoenas, fines, and even forcing auto makers to stop selling cars,” according to the WSJ report.
The newspaper said the “The heart of Toyota’s problem: Its secretive corporate culture in Japan clashed with U.S. requirements that auto makers disclose safety threats, people familiar with the matter say. The relationship soured even though Toyota had hired two former NHTSA officials to manage its ties with the agency.”
Toyota, the newspaper said, acknowledges the rift with regulators. “Believe me, we have changed our mind-set,” said Shinichi Sasaki, Toyota’s quality chief, referring to a heated December confrontation in Tokyo with NHTSA officials over floor mats. “We don’t believe this is going to be a problem in the future. We are completely on the same page with NHTSA.”
“Toyota’s woes have roots in 2001’s redesigned Camry sedan, which featured a new type of gas pedal. Instead of physically connecting to the engine with a mechanical cable, the new pedal used electronic sensors to send signals to a computer controlling the engine. The same technology migrated to cars including Toyota’s luxury Lexus ES sedan. The main advantage is fuel efficiency.”
Ongoing Toyota recalls are doing untold damage to their brand. more than 2 million automobiles in the US to correct sticking gas pedals. 4.2 million cars in the US to correct pedals getting lodged under floor mats. 690,000 vehicles in China due to defective electrical window switches. Toyota managers on TV to apologise for recall and still the media stress problems as the company gets more worried. I question how much brand value this has cost them.