Toyota slows development pace in order to focus more on safety

In further response to its recent recall issues,Toyota said that it will be slowing the pace with which it develops new vehicles. The extra time will be devoted to safety assurance. Executive Vice President Takeshi Uchiyamada said the company has learned a lot since the recalls, especially the need to sloe the pace of development, and pay more attention to safety issues.

Executives have acknowledged that the company expanded to quickly in the U.S., and has since taken extra measures to beef up safety assurance in its vehicles. As of March, Toyota had 1,000 people devoted to quality control; approximately 50% more than before. The company has also added a 100 – person committee devoted to the incorporation of customer feedback into vehicle development.

Toyota had to pay a fine of $16.4 million to the NHTSA for the slow recall, and still faces more than 200 lawsuits related to the recalls in the U.S. alone.

-By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News