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                                                February 24, 2010

This is Toyota Fast Facts, an update on breaking news, our recent recalls and the work we are doing to make things right for our customers. Please feel free to share this information with family and friends. For additional information and breaking news, please visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.



1.  Akio Toyoda to Testify Before Congress Today
 
TMC President Akio Toyoda and TMA President Yoshi Inaba are scheduled to testify today at a hearing being held by the House of Representatives' Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Joining them will be U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, former NHTSA Administrator Joan Claybrook, Safety Research & Strategies President Sean Kane and Center for Auto Safety Executive Director Clarence Ditlow.

To read Toyoda's opening statement, click on: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/document/A._Toyoda_Testimony_to_House_Committee_on_Oversight_and_Government_Reform_2-24-10.pdf.

To read Inaba's opening statement, click on: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/document/Y._Inaba_Testimony_to_House_Committee_on_Oversight_and_Government_Reform_2-24-10.pdf.

Following today's hearing, team members, dealers and Toyota executives are scheduled to speak with the media at the National Press Club in Washington.
 
We will continue to provide updates on the hearings in Fast Facts.



2. Mississippi Governor's Op-Ed Calls for Fair, Careful Treatment of Toyota on Safety Issues
In an op-ed piece published in the Washington Post today, Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour urged Congress to be fair on safety issues as it moves forward with hearings regarding Toyota's recalls. "When I announced three years ago that Toyota would open a U.S. vehicle assembly plant in Blue Springs, Miss., I said Toyota was the world's premier automobile manufacturer. I still believe that," Gov. Barbour said.

However, as Congress holds hearings on Toyota safety issues, he noted, "I worry that there has been a rush to judgment?We cannot lose sight of the company's importance to America's economy - and should not ignore its continued commitment to doing things the right way."
 
To read Barbour's op-ed, please click on:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/23/AR2010022302512.html.




3. TMS Hosts Electronic Throttle Control Webinar

TMS held a webinar Monday to explain how Toyota's Electronic Throttle Control System works, how its fail-safe logic provides numerous layers of safeguards and how it undergoes strenuous testing to ensure there is no electromagnetic interference. To view a video and read a transcript of the webinar, go to:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/2010-toyota-electronic-throttle-154266.aspx.



4. Toyota Releases Statement on Exponent

Toyota provided an update Tuesday on its work with engineering consulting firm Exponent, which is helping the company evaluate reports of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles equipped with Toyota's Electronic Throttle Control System. To read the statement, click on: http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-update-our-work-with-exponent-154254.aspx.



5. USA Today Highlights Toyota's Decision to Issue a Safety Recall When Other Automakers Using the Same Part Did Not

A USA Today piece highlighted Toyota's decision to recall a Tacoma pickup model for an issue with a driveshaft part produced by an outside partner, when Ford and Nissan, which also used the part, did not. To read the entire article, please click on: http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/2010-02-23-tacoma23_ST_N.htm.


 
6. Recap of Tuesday's Congressional Hearing

Toyota is dealing quickly and effectively with known safety issues and is moving swiftly to examine other potential risks in order to ensure that its vehicles remain among the safest on the road, TMS and COO President Jim Lentz told U.S. lawmakers Tuesday.
 
Lentz told a subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee that floor-mat and accelerator-pedal modifications are effective, durable solutions, and he is confident, based on testing, that Toyota's Electronic Throttle Control System doesn't cause unintended acceleration.
 
In response to a question, he said that Toyota "will remain vigilant," continually conduct research and deploy "SWAT teams" of technicians to examine incidents promptly. "I don't think any manufacturer knows 100 percent what is causing" problems such as unintended acceleration, Lentz said, putting Toyota's situation in broader perspective.
 
Tuesday's hearing was held to examine the response by Toyota and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to reports of unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles in light of Toyota's recent recalls. Amid critical comments about Toyota's response, a number of lawmakers cautioned against a "witch hunt" that could jeopardize jobs at U.S. auto plants and dealerships, and decried the "misinformation" that had been aired ahead of the hearing.
 
In his testimony, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood defended NHTSA from criticism and told the hearing that he is "happy" with Toyota's response. He said that NHTSA had found no evidence to date that electromagnetic interference played a role in unintended acceleration incidents.
 
The subcommittee earlier heard testimony from a Tennessee couple who said their Lexus accidentally accelerated in 2006, and two researchers who said Toyota's electronic systems may be at fault. The researchers offered no conclusive evidence and faced aggressive questions about their testing methods and funding sources, which include attorney firms that are suing Toyota.
 
In his testimony, Lentz outlined the steps Toyota is taking to restore its hard-won trust with American consumers. He faced his share of skepticism and tough questions, many of which focused on when Toyota learned of the unintended acceleration problem, how it responded and whether it had examined the Electronic Throttle Control System as a possible cause.
 
 "We never rule out anything" that could cause unintended acceleration, he said. "We are vigilant and continue to look at other causes." He said that Exponent, the respected engineering firm hired to conduct independent research, is beginning to look into the potential effect of electromagnetic interference, and that the company's newly announced global safety advisory panel may order its own studies.
 
Lentz acknowledged that Toyota had not been fast enough to share information globally on safety issues and had not been fast enough to investigate those it knew about. "It was not our goal to grow too fast, but we did," he said.
 
In moving to enhance quality and operations, Toyota will give managers in the U.S., among other regions, more input on safety issues, he said. Lentz pledged to improve Toyota's investigations of customer complaints with beefed-up technical teams that aim to conduct onsite examinations within 24 hours of an incident.


Dear Valued Inver Grove Toyota Customer:

 

 

We are writing to inform you that the resolution regarding the voluntary recall(s) on some Toyota models will commence shortly.  Toyota and the federal regulators have agreed to a proper and permanent modification that insures your safety.  Please note that the occurrences of the conditions these recalls address are extremely rare.  Our first priority at Inver Grove Toyota, and the first Priority of Toyota Motor Sales, is the safety of our customers and vehicle owners. Your Toyota is one of the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road today.   Your specific Toyota may or may not be one of the vehicles affected by the recall(s). Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. will also be providing official notification to you if your Toyota is included in the recall.

 

That being said, we understand the concern you may have experienced while this situation played out in the media. At Inver Grove Toyota, we will always put our customers first. You are very important to us and we will do everything possible to maintain the trust and confidence you have placed in us and your Toyota.

 

Our goal is to service your vehicle properly, efficiently, and conveniently. We are currently expanding our hours of operation and our staff to accomplish that. Please visit our web-site or call to make an appointment.

 

We are anxious to complete the modifications.  Our web-site, www.invergrovetoyota.com, has a great deal of specific information to assist you. Simply visit our web-site and click on the recall/campaigns tab.  Additionally, there is a Toyota Newsroom link that provides relevant information directly from Toyota Motor Sales.  As always, we are here to speak with you and welcome your calls at any time.  Just ask for a service advisor or any of our managers. 

 

Thank you for your business.  Thank you for your patience.  We appreciate you very much and will stand behind you and your Toyota.

 

 

Again, thank you for the opportunity to serve you. 

 

 

 

 

Steve McDaniels                        Jeff Stearns

President                              General Manager

 

 

If you have any further questions, please call the Toyota Customer Experience Center

at 1-800-331-4331.

 

Or, as always, you may contact us directly at 651-306-4698

We are now scheduling appointments for recall modifications. 

Thank you,

 

Steve Lagerquist

Service Director

Inver Grove Toyota

Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal

Recall and Suspension of Sales

Which models are affected by the recall/stop sale?

Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

 2009-2010 RAV4,

 2009-2010 Corolla,

 2009-2010 Matrix,

 2005-2010 Avalon,

 2007-2010 Camry,

 2010 Highlander,

 2007-2010 Tundra,

 2008-2010 Sequoia

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara,

Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Highlander hybrids and Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.

Further, Camry, RAV4, Corolla and Highlander vehicles with VINs that begin with "J" are not affected by the sticky accelerator pedal

recall.

What is the condition that has prompted Toyota to take this action?

In rare instances, there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, mechanically stick in a partially depressed

position or return slowly to the idle position.

What is the likelihood that my vehicle will experience this condition?

The condition is rare and does not occur suddenly. It can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the

accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.

Are you continuing to investigate other models?

Toyota is confident that all models that contain the potentially sticking pedals have been identified.

Why has Toyota stopped selling the affected vehicles?

Until Toyota has finalized an appropriate remedy to address the potential for sticking accelerator pedals, a sales suspension is necessary.

How long will this stop sale be in effect?

New cars covered by this recall will not be delivered until a remedy is finalized and then implemented.

When do you expect to have a remedy?

Toyota is making every effort to remedy this situation for customers as quickly as possible.

What options are you exploring for a remedy?

Toyota is reviewing a number of different options, and the company hopes to announce a remedy soon.

What should I do if I believe my vehicle is affected by this condition, i.e. I have noticed that my accelerator pedal is hard

to depress, slow to return or is unsmooth during operation. What should I do?

The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

What if you experience a sticking accelerator pedal while driving?

Each circumstance may vary, and drivers must use their best judgment, but Toyota recommends taking one of the following actions:

? If you need to stop immediately, the vehicle can be controlled by stepping on the brake pedal with both feet using firm and steady

pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal as it will deplete the vacuum utilized for the power brake assist.

? Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road

and turn off the engine.

? If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist

to these systems will be lost.

? If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off

the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.

? If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT

Toyota Vehicles : Frequently Asked Questions For Sticking Accelerator Pedal Recall and Suspension of ... Page 1 of 2

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/PRN-FAQ-for-Sticking-Accelerator-Pedal-152196.aspx 1/28/2010

©2010 Toyota Motors Sales, U.S.A., Inc. TOYOTA SCION LEXUS All information applies to U.S. vehicles only

remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

If I am an owner of one of the affected vehicles, what action do I need to take?

Toyota is working quickly to prepare a correction remedy and will issue owner notifications in the future. No action is required at this

time unless you feel you are experiencing this condition. If you are experiencing this condition, immediately contact your nearest Toyota

Dealer for assistance.

Toyota stated that this did not affect new/low mileage vehicles, has the situation changed?

The law requires that the entire universe of new vehicles identified in the recall notice must be included in the stop sale.

Why are you stopping production at your factories?

Production is being stopped temporarily at five North American production facilities to assess and coordinate activities related to the

recall announced on January 21.

What should I do if I still have questions or concerns?

If you still have questions or concerns that have not been addressed here, please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

The Toyota Customer Experience Center hours are:

Mon - Fri, 5:00 am - 6:00 pm PST

Sat, 7:00 am - 4:00 pm PST

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota/PRN-FAQ-for-Sticking-Accelerator-Pedal-152196.aspx
1/28/2010

Toyota Amends Recall on Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal

Toyota Update Regarding Recalls

Nothing is more important to Toyota than doing the right thing for our customers -- and restoring their confidence in the safety of our

vehicles. We deeply regret the concern that our recalls are causing for our loyal customers, and we are making an all-out effort to

develop and implement effective remedies as quickly as we can.

Our highest priority is to fix the accelerator pedal problems for our existing customers. We want to reassure Toyota owners that

instances of sticking pedals are rare and generally do not occur suddenly. Toyota is currently in the process of recalling vehicles to

remedy the issue of pedal entrapment and we have begun sending instructions to customers about how we will fix their vehicles.

Customers who have any questions or have experienced any issues with their accelerator pedals should visit Toyota.com, contact the

Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331, or call their local Toyota dealer.

We've identified the cause of the problem and are focusing all of our energy and resources on developing and thoroughly testing

remedies. Our engineers have been working around the clock and we've been in direct communication with the National Highway Traffic

Safety Administration (NHTSA) throughout this process. We also appreciate the opportunity to inform the House Committee on Energy

and Commerce about our efforts to address this situation for our customers and we pledge our full cooperation with the Committee.

Toyota has taken the unprecedented step of stopping production to help serve our customers quickly and ensure that all new Toyota

vehicles going forward do not experience this problem. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) has also been

working closely with our pedal supplier CTS on a revised design that effectively remedies the problem. These pedals are now in full

production at CTS to support Toyota's needs. At the same time, we continue to work with CTS to test effective pedal modifications for

existing vehicles on the road that will be available to our customers as quickly as possible.

We appreciate the comments that Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood made today about the way Toyota has stepped up to meet our

responsibilities to our customers, and we are determined to continue fulfilling our commitment to put our customers first.

 TORRANCE, Calif., January 26, 2010 - - Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today announced that it is instructing Toyota dealers to temporarily suspend sales of eight models involved in the recall for sticking accelerator pedal, announced on January 21, 2010.  
 "Helping ensure the safety of our customers and restoring confidence in Toyota are very important to our company," said Group Vice President and Toyota Division General Manager Bob Carter.  "This action is necessary until a remedy is finalized. We're making every effort to address this situation for our customers as quickly as possible."  
Toyota announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats. There is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position.
Toyota's accelerator pedal recall and suspension of sales is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:
2009-2010 RAV4,
2009-2010 Corolla,
2009-2010 Matrix,
2005-2010 Avalon,
Certain 2007-2010 Camry,  
2010 Highlander,
2007-2010 Tundra,
2008-2010 Sequoia
        No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by these actions. Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids, which will remain for sale.
Due to the sales suspension, Toyota is expected to stop producing vehicles on the following production lines for the week of February 1 to assess and coordinate activities.  The North America vehicle production facilities affected are:
        Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Canada (Corolla, Matrix, and RAV4)
        Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana (Sequoia and Highlander)
        Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky - Line 1 (Camry and Avalon)
        Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (Camry)
        Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (Tundra)
No other North American Toyota vehicle production facilities are affected by the decision to stop production.
The sticking accelerator pedal recall is separate from the on-going recall of Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.

Toyota Consumer Safety Advisory: Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal

 

Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. takes public safety very seriously. It believes its vehicles to be among the safest on the road today.

Recent events have prompted Toyota to take a closer look at the potential for an accelerator pedal to get stuck in the full open position due to an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.  A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Toyota considers this a critical matter and will soon launch a safety campaign on specific Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Throughout the process of developing the details of the action plan, it will advise the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Until Toyota develops a remedy, it is asking owners of specific Toyota and Lexus models to take out any removable driver's floor mat and NOT replace it with any other floor mat. The following models are affected:

2007 - 2010 Camry
2005 - 2010 Avalon
2004 - 2009 Prius
2005 - 2010 Tacoma
2007 - 2010 Tundra

 

Should the vehicle continue to accelerate rapidly after releasing the accelerator pedal, this could be an indication of floor mat interference.  If this occurs, Toyota recommends the driver take the following actions:

First, if it is possible and safe to do so, pull back the floor mat and dislodge it from the accelerator pedal; then pull over and stop the vehicle. 

If the floor mat cannot be dislodged, then firmly and steadily step on the brake pedal with both feet. Do NOT pump the brake pedal repeatedly as this will increase the effort required to slow the vehicle.

Shift the transmission gear selector to the Neutral (N) position and use the brakes to make a controlled stop at the side of the road and turn off the engine.

 

If unable to put the vehicle in Neutral, turn the engine OFF, or to ACC. This will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems will be lost.

-If the vehicle is equipped with an Engine Start/Stop button, firmly and steadily push the button for at least three seconds to turn off the engine. Do NOT tap the Engine Start/Stop button.

-If the vehicle is equipped with a conventional key-ignition, turn the ignition key to the ACC position to turn off the engine. Do NOT remove the key from the ignition as this will lock the steering wheel.

In the event owners choose not to remove their floor mat, Toyota strongly recommends that they ensure that the correct floor mat is being used, that it is properly installed and secured, that it is not flipped over with bottom-side up, and that one floor mat is not stacked over another. Information on proper floor mat installation can be found on http://www.toyota.com.

Owners with questions or concerns, are asked to please contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center (1 800 331-4331) or consult the information posted at http://www.toyota.com

September 29, 2009

Toyota Files Voluntary Safety Recall on Select Toyota Division Vehicles for Sticking Accelerator Pedal

 Lexus and Scion Models Not Affected
  Filing Addresses Isolated Customer Complaints
  Separate From On-Going Recall Involving Floor Mat Pedal Entrapment Issue

TORRANCE, Calif., January 21, 2010 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc, today announced it would recall approximately 2.3 million vehicles to correct sticking accelerator pedals on specific Toyota Division models. This action is separate from the on-going recall of approximately 4.2 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles to reduce the risk of pedal entrapment by incorrect or out of place accessory floor mats. Approximately 1.7 million Toyota Division vehicles are subject to both separate recall actions.

 

"In recent months, Toyota has investigated isolated reports of sticking accelerator pedal mechanisms in certain vehicles without the presence of floor mats," said TMS Group Vice President Irv Miller.  "Our investigation indicates that there is a possibility that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position. Consistent with our commitment to the safety of our cars and our customers, we have initiated this voluntary recall action."

 

Toyota's accelerator pedal recall is confined to the following Toyota Division vehicles:

 

 2009-2010 RAV4,
 2009-2010 Corolla,
 2009-2010 Matrix,
 2005-2010 Avalon,
 2007-2010 Camry,
 2010 Highlander,
 2007-2010 Tundra,
 2008-2010 Sequoia 

 

No Lexus Division or Scion vehicles are affected by this recall action.  Also not affected are Toyota Prius, Tacoma, Sienna, Venza, Solara, Yaris, 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser and select Camry models, including all Camry hybrids. 

 

The condition is rare, but can occur when the pedal mechanism becomes worn and, in certain conditions, the accelerator pedal may become harder to depress, slower to return or, in the worst case, stuck in a partially depressed position.  Toyota is working quickly to prepare the correction remedy.

 

In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes. The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure. The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota dealer contacted for assistance.

 

Toyota will continue to investigate incidents of unwanted acceleration and take appropriate measures to address any trends that are identified.

 

Toyota owners who have questions or concerns should contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.