NHTSA chief says Toyota was 'not truthful' (to announce another recall of Lexus GX 460 on Monday)

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Detroit News

Agency head criticizes Japanese automaker for taking 'shortcuts'
David Shepardson

Washington -- Toyota Motor Corp. was "not truthful" with federal regulators looking into sticky brake pedals, the nation's top safety official said Friday.

That lack of candor, said National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator David Strickland, contributed to the largest auto safety fine ever proposed by the government.

In his first extended interview since taking over NHTSA Jan. 4, Strickland also criticized Toyota for failing to disclose a software upgrade on the 2010 Prius, and for taking "shortcuts" in its rapid growth.

"The very thing that made them as popular and trusted as they had been in the United States is what had failed them," Strickland told The Detroit News. "They are paying for those decisions -- and paying severely."





Read more: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100417/AUTO01/4170363/1148/NHTSA-chief-says-Toyota-was--not-truthful-

[depakid]

1. NHTSA- like the SEC has corrupt members in its on ranks that have yet to be held accountable.

[TexasObserver]

2. recommend