Toyota chief apologises over lapses

Akio Toyoda, grandson of the founder of the world's largest car maker, raised his hand at the United States Congress and took an oath to tell the truth before speaking in English.

"I'm deeply sorry for any accident that Toyota drivers have

experienced," he said.

Committee chairman Edolphus Towns welcomed Mr Toyoda and thanked him for volunteering to testify. "We're very impressed with that. It shows your commitment to safety as well," he said.

Mr Toyoda pledged that the company would change the way it handled consumer complaints, including seeking greater input from drivers and outside safety experts when considering a recall.

Toyota managers will also drive cars under investigation to experience potential problems first hand. Mr Toyoda read from prepared notes, which had been released the day before.

"My name is on every car. You have my personal commitment that Toyota will work vigorously and unceasingly to restore the trust of our customers," he said.

He delivered his short comments clearly in English but when the questioning session began, he switched to Japanese with the help of a translator.

Mr Toyoda told the congressional hearing there was no problem with the electronics of Toyota vehicles despite suggestions from some safety experts that there was a connection to unwanted acceleration.

Toyota has recalled some eight million vehicles.