WASHINGTON — U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Wednesday he will talk directly with Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda soon about the safety concerns involving his company's cars.
"This is very serious," LaHood was quoted as saying at a breakfast with reporters in Washington. "After I talk with him, they'll get it. We're going to keep the pressure on."
He also said the Transportation Department may impose civil penalties on Toyota.