Yesterday I watched the testimony of Toyoda the chairman of Toyota motor company and was impressed by his approach to business he accepted full responsibilities for his company's mistakes and was willing to corperate with the authority in ensuring the safety of toyota drivers.He blamed the problems bedeviling his company to rapid expansion/growth that eroded its company's priciples of safety, quality and volume.The AP story below summarizes the goings on.

'Toyoda's testimony got off to an agreeable start, as he promised to tell the truth and gave an opening statement in clear, if heavily accented, English.

"My name is on every car. You have my personal commitment that Toyota will work vigorously and unceasingly to restore the trust of our customers," he said.

Committee members praised him for voluntarily venturing onto a potential minefield. Under intensifying grilling, Toyoda chose to answer all questions in Japanese. He brought a translator with him.

Although he answered every question put to him, many of the answers repeated company talking points. He did not offer any new company concessions beyond a general promise to be more vigilant, open in communications and responsive to calls for change.'

indeed things change very fast!!!! from hero to villian, the story of toyoda

One congress man even said that 70% of recalls are most vehicles manufactured by American firms Japaneses and european manufacturers acount for 30% of recalls recorded in the US.

Listening to most of the congressmen it was clear they wanted to punish Toyota for a problem which Their own companies are guilty of.

For instance unintended acceleration was the main complaint and toyota came up with a solution that makes it the only manufacturer with such safety measure, where the engine cut off fuel supply when the throttle and the breaks are pressed simulteniously.
But the congress men did not seem interested with that they wanted to link the problem with the electronics with no basis whatsoever.

I think Jangwa, Sela, and Kizee are missing the point. You are falling into the trap that many of the people are in - America bashing.

The senate is doing what it would have done under any circumstance. Don't they do the same things with their own companies? AIG to GM? Didn't they grill CBS to ashes during janets "wardrobe malfunction?"

They are doing that because they care about their people. Some of the testimonies that some citizens gave were chiling.

And talking of selfish interests, which country does not have selfish interest; china? japan? UK? Rwanda?

Maybe Kenya. For this is the only country where people sale government ammunition and nobody resigns. Because the country is not "selfish"

Senate grilling is one thing. Government actively fanning the flames in the context of its significant interest in a direct competitor is another. All I am saying is that the mix of 'accidental out-of-context statements' and the number of 'could', 'might' and 'maybe' conjectures being regurgitated by the US gava and media are a tad bit suspicious. But I agree with you in the sense that the gava trying to protect all-American is not necessarily a bad idea.

"My name is on every car.' Jeez! how i wish i could say that.