TOKYO — Japanese Cabinet ministers called Tuesday for Toyota to use high-profile congressional hearings in Washington to restore consumer confidence in the key U.S. market.
The world’s top automaker is facing an unprecedented crisis over its massive recalls of vehicles because of defects involving floor mats, gas pedals and brakes.
“Toyota is a company that has always put safety first,” Trade Minister Masayuki Naoshima told reporters after a Cabinet meeting. “I hope its explanation will help the U.S. public understand this.”
Naoshima also said Toyota must ease concerns among U.S. consumers. “Regaining trust is the most important thing for Toyota,” he said.
Separately, comments by Transport Minister Seiji Maehara, who oversees Japan’s auto industry, emphasized that Toyota is not just a Japanese company and plays a major role in the United States.
“I want Toyota to respond sincerely on all matters with the awareness that it is an American company and has a responsibility to the economy as well as for life and safety in the United States,” he told reporters after the Cabinet meeting.
Toyota has recalled 8.5 million vehicles since October, including its popular hybrid Prius.
Maehara also said Japan needs to rethink its system for how auto companies report defects in light of the Toyota recalls.
“I think it is highly possible that Toyota did not provide information fully to the government,” he said. “We want auto companies to report any information, even if it’s a small thing. We are considering how we can ensure that.”
