Toyota CEO agrees to testify

The CEO of Toyota has agreed to testify before a House committee about the safety concerns surrounding Toyota gas pedals.

Earlier today, the chairman and ranking member of the House Government Reform and Oversight Committtee formally invited CEO Akido Toyoda to testify next week. Toyoda had turned down a request to appear before the panel yesterday.

Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), the ranking member, announced on Twitter that Toyoda had accepted today’s invitation.

“Breaking #Toyota CEO agrees to testify!” Issa wrote. “We’ll have CEO Toyoda before Team Oversight.”

The hearing, scheduled for February 24, will focus on the problems with Toyota’s gas pedals that spurred reports of unexpected acceleration in Toyota vehicles. The company has recalled numerous models, including the popular hybrid Prius.

“We are pleased Mr. Toyoda accepted the invitation to testify before the Committee,” Issa and Rep. Edolphus Town (D-N.Y.) said in a statement. “We believe his testimony will be helpful in understanding the actions Toyota is taking to ensure the safety of American drivers.”