In a reversal of his previous position, Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corp., has now agreed to testify before a congressional committee next week as part of an ongoing investigation of his company's recent safety issues and recalls.
In a statement, Toyoda said, "I have received Congressman Towns' invitation to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on February 24 and I accept. I look forward to speaking directly with Congress and the American people."
The chair of the committee, Ed Towns, sent a letter to Toyoda asking for his assistance in clearing up the existing confusion over what has happened with Toyota's vehicles and what is being done to correct the problems. "The public is unsure as to what exactly the problem is, whether it is safe to drive their cars, or what they should do about it," Towns wrote.
Earlier Toyoda indicated that his company's North America chief, Yoshimi Inaba, was the better person to testify before the committee, but then endured widespread criticism for the stance. In the face of what can only be described a a public relations nightmare, Toyoda obviously reconsidered.
At a press briefing in Nagoya after agreeing to come to the United States he said, "Now that I have received an official request from the chairman, I'd like to take advantage of the opportunity. I'd like to cooperate fully and try to explain the situation."
Friday in the foreign media came first photos of the updated version of the crossover Nissan Qashqai. The car was streamlined body design, as well as small changes in the interior and a new dashboard. 
