Toyota's new slogan declares it's "moving forward." Not so fast: New reports reveal that Toyota executive Katsuhiko Koganei sent an email to his U.S. colleagues last January urging them to "not mention about the mechanical failures." Reportedly, Toyota spokesman Irv Miller shot back: "We are not protecting our customers by keeping this quiet...The time to hide on this one is over. We need to come clean." Five days later, Toyota did, recalling 2.3 million vehicles. How damaging are these revelations? (Watch a Fox Business discussion about Toyota executives' emails)
These memos show Toyota's true colors: Ironically, Irv Miller's "bombshell" email was a last-ditch effort to save the company, right before it began its "downward spiral," says Daniel Howes in The Detroit News. Now, thanks to this new batch of "'smoking-gun' memos," we know that Toyota "was more interested in covering its corporate keister than coming clean" to the government and its own loyal customers. Cue the lawsuits, and the real financial pain.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
5 holier-than-thou cartoons about the Pope's passingCartoons Artists take on a new ride, an old hat, and more
-
Creamy kale slaw with hazelnuts recipeThe Week Recommends This slaw with a 'cracking texture' makes the perfect side that will elevate any meal
-
Trump's war on academic freedom: how Harvard fought backTalking Point Political pressure on institutions compromises academic independence – and risks damaging America's ability to attract international talent
