Toyotas Declared Safe; What Was all the Fuss About?

So just what was all the fuss about? Despite implications of faulty electronic control systems in American Toyota vehicles, U.S. transportation authorities announced that their study “found no evidence of an electronic defect,” at last vindicating the assertions of Toyota Motor Corporation.

The probe, conducted by the U.S. Department of Transportation and NASA, investigated the safety of the electronic control system, which controls acceleration and deceleration. It was determined that the majority of accidents were caused by pedal misapplication, i.e., stepping on the accelerator instead of the brake. The electronic control system is a crucial part of an automobile, so confirmation of its safety by American experts is welcome news.

Toyota, of course, should continue to be thorough in ensuring product safety. The problem is that the U.S. stirred up consumer fears, such as with the congressional hearings. The Japanese government should have countered the U.S.’ claims more resolutely with solid evidence.

Until the beginning of last year, there were numerous complaints of unintended accelerations in American Toyotas, and Congress held several hearings on the issue. In the run-up to the midterm elections, “Toyota bashing” served as a means of political grandstanding.

One example is Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood’s thoughtless remark during the ongoing probe that people should “stop driving [Toyotas].” When he heard the results of the probe, he patched things up by saying, “We feel that Toyota vehicles are safe to drive,” but his statements nonetheless spread “rumor damage.” Both Congress and the U.S. government as a whole should reflect on their actions.

Nor was the Japanese government’s response much help. They showed fear in the face of Congress’s “Toyota bashing” and did not do enough to call for a calmer response. The administration of [Prime Minister] Naoto Kan has set forth a growth strategy that aims to help Japanese businesses expand in overseas markets. The government should do their duty to maintain an environment in which Japanese businesses can be at ease in making inroads abroad.

To that end, the sharing of information concerning safety measures is essential. Last year, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism conducted an independent investigation that found no defects in Toyota vehicles’ electronic control systems, but the details were apparently not conveyed to their American counterparts. The failure of the two countries to share such critical facts is a major issue. Close information sharing with the relevant overseas authorities helps prevent unnecessary friction.

Problems with accelerator pedals and floor mats led to a massive recall of Toyotas in the U.S. Further ensuring of safety is essential to recovering trust.