Toyota expands aid for recalls
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Toyota Motor Co. will extend an enhanced program for New York owners of recalled vehicles to the rest of the nation, a top company official said Wednesday.
Under questioning during a House committee hearing, Yoshimi Inaba, head of the company’s North American operations, said the company was offering the improvements nationwide after details were announced earlier for New York owners.
Responding to a question from Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-New York), Inaba said the program would apply across the country.
“All of the world,” Inaba said, then corrected himself. “All over the nation, nationwide, yes.”
The program includes picking up cars and trucks at owners’ homes, payment for some transportation costs and free rentals during repairs.
The enhanced program was part of an agreement between Toyota and New York Atty. Gen. Andrew Cuomo and is the first formal concession between the company and the states’ top legal officials.
Cuomo, a potential gubernatorial candidate, announced that Toyota and Lexus dealers will offer services such as at-home pickup and return of recalled vehicles, free rental cars during repairs and reimbursement for the cost of transportation.
“It is unacceptable that New York consumers should face additional burdens when dealing with a safety problem that is Toyota’s responsibility,” Cuomo said in a statement. “New Yorkers who own recalled vehicles understandably may be reluctant to drive their cars and assume the risk of harm to themselves and others on the road.”
--Michael Muskal
