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Memo shows Toyota employees in Japan raised concerns

The Detroit News -- Toyota Motor Corp. turned over to Congress today a 3 1/2 -year-old memo written by employees in Japan raising questions about the company's safety record.

The Oct. 3, 2006, memo was requested by Rep. Ed Towns, D-N.Y., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee after it was first published by the Los Angeles Times.

"If senior Toyota officials ignored important safety concerns raised by their own employees, it calls into question Toyota's corporate priorities and its commitment to safety," Towns wrote Monday to Toyota's North American chief Yoshimi Inaba, giving them a noon deadline today to turn over the memo.

The Detroit News today obtained an English translation of the two-page memo.

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Submitted Mar 10, 2010 By: dwgt.net

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Bonanza Champion Author Boston Posts:9,288 Points:2,084,980 Joined:Jun 2004	Message Posted: Mar 12, 2010 6:01:28 AM Ignore Bonanza Report Abuse Toyota's reputation has taken a real back step
Amplion Champion Author Oregon Posts:4,230 Points:1,397,195 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 7:06:55 PM Ignore Amplion Report Abuse Ignoring employee concerns: A true Toyota Six Sigma Lean Manufacturing Line.
kelsielee Champion Author Atlanta Posts:3,389 Points:672,025 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 6:31:48 PM Ignore kelsielee Report Abuse It is often very short-sighted to ignore employee concerns. Had they made changes at the time the concerns were initially raised, Toyota could have saved itself quite a lot (not just money, but also reputation).
coughlin Champion Author San Jose Posts:3,336 Points:755,050 Joined:Sep 2009	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 8:10:15 AM Ignore coughlin Report Abuse In retrospect, this is not surprising. In Toyota's 'race for the top' they began to neglect the things that got them there.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:43,319 Points:1,711,030 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:08:11 AM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse must87searcher wrote: >It sure will take a while for Toyota to get its sales >up again. There apparently is enough visibility into the vehicle sales rates that they can say Toyota sales are up in March. The MSM is mystified.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:43,319 Points:1,711,030 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:05:26 AM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse SSchmidty wrote: >Oh-no, can any "company-paid-for tests" have any >creditability? No!! I can see you're oblivious to the FAA and FDA regulation processes. Aircraft and pharmaceuticals are tested and approved by company-paid-for tests. The Government monitors the results.
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:43,319 Points:1,711,030 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 1:00:04 AM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse rsm315 wrote: >Support your local community BUY AMERICAN My local community has no Detroit Three production plants, but it has a number of Toyota dealers. Government Motors (call 'em like I see 'em) managed to turn me off many years ago with blatant fit and finish problems. I have bought Fords and my happiest day with one of them was when I traded in the piece of junk for a Nissan. [Edited by: Sneakers55 at 3/11/2010 1:01:25 AM EST]
Sneakers55 Champion Author Houston Posts:43,319 Points:1,711,030 Joined:Nov 2005	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:54:51 AM Ignore Sneakers55 Report Abuse Amplion wrote: >What you drive reflects WHO YOU ARE ........ Well, the CEO of Ford Motor Company used to drive a Lexus when he was working at his previous employer. He told them in the Detroit MSM that it was the finest vehicle in the world. I suspect Alan's first move as Ford CEO was to sell the Lexus.
LetemEatCake Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:2,987 Points:766,760 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: Mar 11, 2010 12:44:42 AM Ignore LetemEatCake Report Abuse hoosierdaddyno1 from Indiana... It is clear to many of us that this issue of Toyota's falling quality can be tied to the company getting fat (on profit), happy, and complacent. American manufacturing certainly HAS BEEN THERE. In fact, the same could be said for the Big Three before the Japanese invasion. It is sad but somewhat amusing to see the Japanese act just like their American counterparts, whom they may have ridiculed only a few years ago for lack of Kaizen. Ford didn't even wake up to Deming's philosophy until the 1980's. Goes to show humans are the same across the globe. But to paint the Japanese in your comments with such broad brush strokes is shortsighted, and cannot be supported empirically. Better, would be to wait and see how this comes out in the wash.
signwiz Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,395 Points:1,349,080 Joined:Feb 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 11:32:50 PM Ignore signwiz Report Abuse Whistle blowers always have a shaky existence, no matter what country they're in.
briank299 Champion Author Cleveland Posts:13,978 Points:2,600,970 Joined:Aug 2003	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 11:25:47 PM Ignore briank299 Report Abuse Toyota Moving Forward. ...and FAST! :-)
OGW Champion Author London Posts:3,342 Points:1,112,955 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 11:23:17 PM Ignore OGW Report Abuse Everybody talks like this crap never happened before. Well it has in every major company in the world at one time or another and many of those undisclosed company memo's ended up with the death of millions of people over the last century. It still goes on today where money is more important than people and as long as we have the corporate lawyers that exist in our society, it will continue in the future and so will most of those companies. Exploding gas tanks and poor designed tires are some examples from our auto companies and they are still around. The tobacco companies knew they were killing people but they are still here and people are still smoking. It will never stop unless we all just quit buying and that hasn't and won't happen either or GM and Ford would have been gone long ago.
CarrottopNe Champion Author Lincoln Posts:1,025 Points:368,415 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 11:04:38 PM Ignore CarrottopNe Report Abuse I believe management is to blame and is always to blame when a company runs into problems because they become arrogant and refuse to listen to the on the line worker.
FordF2502001 Champion Author Mississippi Posts:5,678 Points:1,154,720 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:44:41 PM Ignore FordF2502001 Report Abuse Exactly. Too many workers showing up for a paycheck instead of truely caring about what they do. Managers and line workers alike.
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:7,205 Points:1,170,885 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:43:15 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse You're delusional divebomber! How many Toyotas do you own? Were you an unsuccessful kamikaze pilot in WWII?
mstearno Champion Author Dayton Posts:5,867 Points:1,286,185 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:42:24 PM Ignore mstearno Report Abuse NOT LOUD ENOUGH
NHLiveFree Champion Author New Hampshire Posts:7,205 Points:1,170,885 Joined:Jun 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:40:43 PM Ignore NHLiveFree Report Abuse Why do all the Toyota owners commenting here keep irrationally defending a company that does NOT deserve their blind faith and trust? Toyota quality was non-existant in the 60s and 70s, but there seems to be total amnesia about the cheap and crappy cars and trucks they sent to the USA back then.
divebomber Champion Author Nebraska Posts:3,709 Points:1,344,340 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:39:38 PM Ignore divebomber Report Abuse OMG LOOK who published this translation. Someone at the Detroit news called someone in Nebraska to translate from japanese to English and paid them big bucks to say what the Detroit news wanted to hear. ugly!
jimim Sophomore Author Michigan Posts:123 Points:125,685 Joined:May 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:33:54 PM Ignore jimim Report Abuse Personally, I think that most of you are just writing something for the sake of writing and to get a few extra points on your point counter. It would be nice of the vast majority of you wrote something that made sense and could be commented on or that pertained to the subject. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Toyota is uncovering years and years of problems that have been swept under the rug. The proverbial suggestion box is said to provide input with management but do they really read it? Reports are made with the purpose of informing management of where we are and what possible problems (or highlights) are being made and how to correct or expand on the good. It is clear that both here in the USA and in other plants around the world, that (IF) management really and truly wanted to hear from concerned workforce or to allow the reports to reflect the true state of the manufacturing process and even if it is not what is wanted to be heard, if listened to and addressed, it could have, in the case of Toyota, saved lives and countless millions in recalls. It is not just Toyota, USA plants do it too. So this is not a USA vs the world thing, though some of you try to make it so, but in this case, Toyota may not survive. But then again, the American worker has to look at him/herself as well. Do you report things that might not be safe, do you even care or are you there for a paycheck only. If someone, anyone, has a concern and tells management about it, then this worker is someone I want working for me (Japanese or American or Icelandic), because this is someone that recoginizes that without the (company) her/her job does not exist and to make a quality product (and though I am 100% American, NO car made in America comes close to the fit, and manufacturing quality of a Mercedes or Porsche - sorry, but it is true) and that is because in the finer companies, management DOES listen to the work force because they ARE in the trenches and DO know what is going on IF they pay attention. Kudo's to the worker that went to management 10 years ago with the problem they are facing today. Too bad management swept it under the rug because now, they are paying for it and it may cost everyone at Toyota their jobs. There used to be a TV commercial going around a few years ago about "would you put your name on the product you made" ... not sure how many of you would do that because you know in your heart, you are not stepping up to the plate every day even though you go to work, do your "job" and go home waiting for payday because it is not the "popular" thing to do nor is it necessary for good ole American "quality".
FlyNFool Champion Author South Carolina Posts:5,950 Points:1,221,205 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:31:47 PM Ignore FlyNFool Report Abuse Let's blame the slacker U.S. employees!
stevekr Champion Author Sacramento Posts:1,892 Points:566,160 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:29:56 PM Ignore stevekr Report Abuse Toyota has screwed with Americans safety for years as it tried to maximize profits trying to overtake GM and become number one in the US.
Rt118E Champion Author Pennsylvania Posts:6,709 Points:905,660 Joined:Jun 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:26:15 PM Ignore Rt118E Report Abuse Toyota is going to have a real up hill battle to get back the customers trust. It may near get it back.
mrbee Champion Author Little Rock Posts:1,445 Points:2,000,780 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:24:21 PM Ignore mrbee Report Abuse Time will tell if this hurts Toyota.
G6coolcar Champion Author Toronto Posts:219,098 Points:1,871,540 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:23:00 PM Ignore G6coolcar Report Abuse RobRD, Why shouldn't the media keep this story alive? I think the public has a right to know that Toyota is in one of the biggest coverups of all time by a auto manufacturer.
oldiesman Champion Author New York Posts:4,211 Points:1,762,950 Joined:May 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:15:20 PM Ignore oldiesman Report Abuse No matter where these cars were assembled Toyota is still responsible.
janctx Champion Author Lubbock Posts:2,715 Points:882,880 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:14:52 PM Ignore janctx Report Abuse what will those people do that cant afford to give their Toyota vehicle back? what a mess
snofog All-Star Author Seattle Posts:623 Points:92,655 Joined:Jan 2010	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:12:56 PM Ignore snofog Report Abuse Great
RobRD Champion Author Alberta Posts:3,828 Points:896,020 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 10:09:45 PM Ignore RobRD Report Abuse The media just wants to keep this story alive.
Amtrgas Champion Author Oakland Posts:2,551 Points:1,229,530 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:49:31 PM Ignore Amtrgas Report Abuse More bad news for Toyota.
brus282 Champion Author North Carolina Posts:4,659 Points:953,210 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:43:20 PM Ignore brus282 Report Abuse somebody take the shovel from toyota's hand, they are digging hole so deep they may never climb out
bigmaninarig62 All-Star Author Missouri Posts:502 Points:49,345 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:41:42 PM Ignore bigmaninarig62 Report Abuse Rumor has it that the problems with the Japanese made vehicle are not in Japan, but right here in our own American Toyota plants, so what we need to do is tell Japan to take their riceburners back to the Far East and not come back anymore.
Lizzylou Champion Author Stockton Posts:7,025 Points:2,000,050 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:41:23 PM Ignore Lizzylou Report Abuse It ill be interesting to see if we will ever hear the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!!
aldog365 Champion Author Nashville Posts:3,140 Points:1,557,660 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:37:08 PM Ignore aldog365 Report Abuse This hole keeps getting bigger and bigger.
Rooster922 Champion Author Wilmington Posts:1,540 Points:229,520 Joined:Jan 2009	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:36:55 PM Ignore Rooster922 Report Abuse Amplion says: What you drive reflects WHO YOU ARE ........ I agree with that statement but it to general, please explain what your mean.
sjl08203 Champion Author New Jersey Posts:5,865 Points:1,329,350 Joined:Aug 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:35:45 PM Ignore sjl08203 Report Abuse Toyota may not survive this
pgriff1 Champion Author New Orleans Posts:4,287 Points:1,586,185 Joined:May 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:29:06 PM Ignore pgriff1 Report Abuse At this point the memo is not much of a revelation, just a confirmation.
OHMS Champion Author Orange County Posts:10,792 Points:1,249,445 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:28:29 PM Ignore OHMS Report Abuse it'll all come out in the wash. Let's not further impede congress from accomplishing something significant this term; unless you consider atheletes' use of steroids significant.
PissedCanuck Champion Author Toronto Posts:5,138 Points:1,192,210 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:25:46 PM Ignore PissedCanuck Report Abuse Toyota probably is not the only guilty party here. Other manufacturers domestic or import could be hiding something as well.
waynemustang Champion Author Indiana Posts:4,661 Points:1,236,205 Joined:Nov 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:18:53 PM Ignore waynemustang Report Abuse My friend, a Toyota quality control tech at the Georgetown KY plant saw this coming 10 years ago. Toyota quality has steadily gotten worse.
Amplion Champion Author Oregon Posts:4,230 Points:1,397,195 Joined:Sep 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:15:31 PM Ignore Amplion Report Abuse When you buy a Toyota, you deserve what you get! What you drive reflects WHO YOU ARE ........
hoosierdaddyno1 Champion Author Indiana Posts:1,244 Points:882,530 Joined:Oct 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:10:25 PM Ignore hoosierdaddyno1 Report Abuse Knowing the Japanese ,they will blame it on American workmanship! Too Lazy ,Too fat, Too stupid To check on us or you!
cuddlie Rookie Author Arizona Posts:47 Points:61,745 Joined:Feb 2010	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:08:17 PM Ignore cuddlie Report Abuse Sounds about right.
ACTown Champion Author Oregon Posts:1,854 Points:1,119,590 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:07:59 PM Ignore ACTown Report Abuse If they had concerns in 2006, they should know what the problem is today.
srchr Champion Author San Jose Posts:4,869 Points:1,160,825 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:06:48 PM Ignore srchr Report Abuse they always kill the messenger
djgunrunner Champion Author Salt Lake City Posts:7,583 Points:1,886,845 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:05:49 PM Ignore djgunrunner Report Abuse My goodness, isn't it a surprise. They would sit on harmful information hoping it would go away. What a choice recipe for bankruptcy.
puljujarvi Champion Author Tampa Posts:5,174 Points:1,064,660 Joined:Sep 2008	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:00:51 PM Ignore puljujarvi Report Abuse This is all beginning to sound like a ploy to get Americans to go back to buying the messed up vehicles the big 3 have been selling without actually making the needed improvements on the American made vehicles. Now even bringing this story out of Detroit. Can they actually convince Americans to buy from these failing corporations not knowing for sure if they will survive without continued government intervention?
mwo Champion Author Twin Cities Posts:1,234 Points:1,059,780 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:00:18 PM Ignore mwo Report Abuse Nothing new. Most rational people knew Toyota has been suppressing information for years.
DEG Champion Author Las Vegas Posts:15,397 Points:3,054,380 Joined:Jul 2003	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:00:05 PM Ignore DEG Report Abuse Toyota didn't learn from Ford's fiasco with the Pinto. They got greedy and let quality and safety slip. Now they are paying the price.
TruckVet Veteran Author Houston Posts:327 Points:708,535 Joined:Dec 2007	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 8:59:27 PM Ignore TruckVet Report Abuse This is disappointing news for Toyota.
JimTee Champion Author Tampa Posts:2,322 Points:1,189,725 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: Mar 10, 2010 8:58:21 PM Ignore JimTee Report Abuse This story has not come to an end yet...