Chairman Toyoda Comments on Daihatsu's Announcement of Side Impact Test Wrongdoing

It has come to light that Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) has been found to have committed wrongdoing in the side impact test of its vehicles for overseas markets. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern this may cause to our customers, dealers, and other concerned parties who are currently using these vehicles.

Comments from Akio Toyoda, Toyota Chairman of the Board

Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.'s wrongdoing is a matter that concerns safety, which is the most important aspect of vehicles. We consider this an absolutely unacceptable act that betrays the trust of our customers. We would like to sincerely apologize to our customers around the world and all related parties for the inconvenience and concern this has caused.

Since this problem occurred with a Toyota brand passenger car, we believe that the problem is not limited to Daihatsu. We will begin by conducting a detailed investigation and thoroughly collecting facts to understand the situation, determine the true cause, and work diligently to prevent a recurrence. We will also inform the public in a timely manner regarding the facts we learn through our investigations.

I personally promised our customers that Toyota would not run away, lie, or distort the truth during the recall crisis in 2009. Nevertheless, we find it to be a serious matter that such a problem has occurred at one of our group companies.

As the top executive officer, President Sato will take responsibility for improving the car manufacturing operations of Toyota and the group companies, while I, as the Chairman of the Board and with my recall issue experience, will lead initiatives for governance and compliance. The Toyota Group as a whole will do its utmost to regain the trust of our customers as soon as possible.