Plan to make improvement

Toyoda's slow response to the massive recall was widely criticized these days. Analysts said that the world's top automaker tried to make Wednesday's hearing an opportunity to regain its reputation.

Toyoda said that Toyota has been fully cooperating and sharing all information with the authority in the safety probe triggered by the massive recall.

He pledged his company would change the way it handles consumer complaints, including seeking greater input from drivers and outside safety experts when considering recalls. Toyota managers will also drive cars under investigation to experience potential problems first hand.

Toyoda told US Congressmen that he was "absolutely confident" there was no problem with the electronics of Toyota vehicles and repeated the company's stance that sudden accelerations were caused by either a sticking gas pedal or a misplaced floor mat. Some outside experts have suggested electronics may be at the root of the problems.

Toyoda said that with whatever results we obtain from the investigations we are conducting in cooperation with US authority, "I intend to further improve on the quality of Toyota vehicles and fulfill our principle of putting the customer first."

"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.

In a separate statement released Wednesday, Toyota Company said that it will provide additional services to US customers affected by recent recalls.

US House Representative John Mica said it was a "very embarrassing day" for Toyota and for US highway safety regulators. He said he was equally embarrassed for US Toyota dealers and for the thousands of hardworking Americans in "Toyota plants across the country."

(Xinhua News Agency February 25, 2010)