U.S. transport chief to keep sharp eye on Toyota quality control+

TOYOTA, Japan, May 10 Kyodo -
U.S. authorities will continue to keep a sharp eye on Toyota Motor Corp.'s
measures to ensure quality control in the wake of massive recalls of its
vehicles, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Monday following a
visit to the Japanese auto giant's headquarters.
While praising Toyota for steps taken so far which included setting up a North
America quality control advisory panel, LaHood did not rule out the prospect of
additional penalties by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
on Toyota.
The automaker had agreed last month to pay a record $16.38 million fine imposed
by U.S. authorities for failing to promptly notify them of problems with
accelerator pedals.
Other quality assurance measures Toyota has taken so far included creating a
global committee to beef up quality control, which is headed by Toyota
President Akio Toyoda himself. Toyota has also shifted its centralized
authority to give regional offices greater autonomy to respond swiftly to
consumer complaints.
LaHood said in a news conference, ''I told Mr. Toyoda today these are very
encouraging steps but we will watch very carefully for improvements in
safety.''
''Results in safety will be the proof that these steps that have been taken
prove successful,'' said the U.S. transport chief who is on a visit to Japan
that began Sunday.
LaHood said, ''We will continue our review of documents that have been
presented to us (by Toyota),'' noting it will take time for the authorities to
complete a review of 500,000 internal documents linked to recalls submitted to
them by Toyota.
''If a fine is required, I think everyone recognizes now that safety is our No.
1 priority and we will do all we can,'' he said. ''When we have recommendations
to make, we will make them.''
LaHood and other U.S. transport officials earlier in the day toured the Toyota
headquarters in Aichi Prefecture, including facilities related to quality
management at the invitation of Toyoda.
Through this tour, Toyoda, appearing in a joint news conference with LaHood,
said that the transport chief and other U.S. officials have ''witnessed our
commitment to quality with their own eyes.''
Reiterating his firm's resolve to ensure the safety of its vehicles, Toyoda
said, ''I believe we are making strong progress delivering on our commitment
(in ensuring quality for our cars).''
Dealing a blow to its long-held reputation for quality cars, Toyota has
recalled over 8 million vehicles worldwide, including some of its top-selling
models such as the Prius hybrid and the Camry sedan, over problems involving
accelerator pedals, floor mats, and brakes that could cause sudden
acceleration.
The auto giant has repeatedly denied its involvement in a cover-up of defects
in its vehicles and said its decision to pay the fine is to avoid a further
dispute with U.S. transport safety authorities.
LaHood also praised Toyota's steps to beef up communication between Toyota and
his department which should give them a ''better handle'' on information if
carried out.
''These measures are important measures but I use the American colloquialism --
the proof is in the pudding,'' he said, adding that what he means is that
''it's fine to have these measures in place but we need to make sure they are
carried out.''
LaHood said he will also visit two other major Japanese automakers -- Honda
Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. -- during his stay in Japan.
==Kyodo
2010-05-10 23:56:05