The U.S. Department of Transportation is seeking to fine the Japanese automaker Toyota $16.4 million. The reason is that it did not timely inform regulatory bodies in the U.S. about the issue with the gas pedal sticking in vehicles, reports hrt.hr.
This is the largest fine ever imposed by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on any automaker. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood stated that it has been proven that Toyota failed to meet legal obligations and knowingly concealed a dangerous defect for four months. Automakers must notify the NHTSA within five business days if they find a safety defect. It is worth noting that Toyota recalled approximately 3.8 million cars and trucks in the U.S. at the end of January due to the gas pedal sticking. Toyota’s CEO Akio Toyoda also apologized for the inconvenience. (hrt.hr)
