With millions of cars recalled, Toyota has played the model apologist, but new documents suggest the auto giant has been putting profit before safety. In papers released today, company officials boast about having saved $100 million by bargaining with the government to recall only a limited number of floor mats in Camrys and Lexuses. It also lists millions saved "by delaying safety regulations, avoiding defect investigations and slowing down other industry requirements," according to the Daily News.
In the document the floor mat recall and other "savings" are grouped under the title "Wins for Toyota—Safety Group." The new information doesn't bode well for Toyota, which already has drawn ire for recalling vehicles too slowly. Transportation Department spokeswoman Olivia Alair said the document was "very telling. And that's why Secretary (Ray) LaHood has been saying we're going to hold Toyota's feet to the fire and make sure they do what's necessary to make their cars safe for the driving public."
