US govt was told of Toyota claims in 2004

State Farm,whose records have been sought by two congressional committees investigating recalls and complaints related to unintended acceleration in Toyota cars and trucks,revised its report on Friday of when it notified the government about certain Toyota claims activity. The insurer said earlier this month it had contacted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in late 2007.

However,prompted by the public interest in Toyota,the insurer reviewed its records again and has now found that it contacted safety regulators initially in 2004,State Farm spokesman Phil Supple said in an emailed statement.

The information has been sought by House of Representatives committees probing questions around recent recalls of millions of Toyota vehicles related to loose floor mats that can jam accelerators and gas pedals that do noThe first of three congressional hearings takes place on Tuesday but much of the focus for the moment has settled on the second hearing,the next day,when company president Toyoda is scheduled to testify.

Japan hopes Toyoda can burnish image

Tokyo: Japan is looking to Toyota president Akio Toyoda’s appearance before US lawmakers next week to help burnish an image marred by a flood of recalls — and to prevent grievances over the issue from fanning broader political tensions. “I hope Toyota will soon regain the trust of their customers around the world,” Japan’s foreign minister Katsuya Okada told reporters. — AP