The CEO and grandson of the Founder of Toyota Motors testified before Congress today and reveled some of the most important facts in the recent problems with their vehicles.
When questioned by the subcommittee the CEO was presented with two different models of floor peddles that have caused problems. One of the parts is manufactured in Japan and has lead to the deaths that resulted in recalls. The other part was manufactured in the USA and is considered the reason for sticking throttles or unexpected acceleration.
Both of these parts were designed and manufactured by parts suppliers. Toyota did not provide the specific engineering detail drawings but relied on their suppliers to provide parts that would work in their vehicles based on the requirements they set.
This does not absolve Toyota from liability because they did approve and use the parts in assembly but it does go a long way in explaining how different parts in similar vehicles may have contributed to different problems resulting in recalls.
At this point Toyota will be retrofitting vehicles with new peddles and adding a braking system override that will cut fuel to the engine when the brake is depressed.
About 70% of the Toyota family of vehicles are now under these specific recalls and their new product line will have the same changes before the end of 2010.