Business

FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Nissan North America (NNA) on March 2 announced recalls to inspect and, if necessary, repair brake pedal pins and fuel-gauge components on certain trucks and minivans. No accidents or injuries have been reported with these issues.

“At Nissan, we’re committed to the safety and satisfaction of our customers. We regret any inconveniences that our customers may experience as we take these precautions,” said Kevin Martin, vice president of total customer satisfaction for NNA.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) on Feb. 23 questioned a senior Toyota executive appearing before the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on the pending closure of the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) auto plant in Fremont.

During his questioning of James Lentz, president and chief operating officer of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., McNerney expressed his deep concern that Toyota has not made a concerted effort to explore all options to keep the NUMMI plant open.

WASHINGTON — Akio Toyoda, president of Toyota Motor Corporation, testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, chaired by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-N.Y.), on Feb. 24 to address concerns about the safety of Toyota vehicles. Following is his prepared testimony.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced March 2 that Daiso Holding USA Inc., Daiso Seattle LLC of Seattle, and Daiso California LLC of Hayward have agreed to pay a $2.05 million civil penalty and stop importing children's products and toys into the U.S.

Due to alleged violations of federal safety laws, the company must now demonstrate to the commission that it has sufficient knowledge of and is in compliance with CPSC safety standards and testing requirements.

WASHINGTON — Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) on Feb. 20 sent a letter to the president of Toyota Corporation, Akio Toyoda, expressing his grave concern about the pending closure of the New United Motor Manufacturing Inc. (NUMMI) auto manufacturing plant in Fremont.

The text of the letter is below:

TOKYO — Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), at a Tokyo press conference on quality-related matters on Feb. 17, disclosed the following:

Japan-market recall progress: The company has completed preparations for recall repair for the Toyota Sai and Lexus HS250h, and its dealers began notifying owners today about the recall procedures.

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced Feb. 16 that it is using its statutory authority to obtain documents from Toyota to determine if the automaker conducted three of its recent recalls in a timely manner.

Federal law requires all auto manufacturers to notify NHTSA within five days of determining that a safety defect exists and promptly conduct a recall.

"Safety recalls are very serious matters and automakers are required to quickly report defects," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

TORRANCE, Los Angeles County — Toyota announced Feb. 13 that it has retained Exponent, a well-respected engineering and scientific consulting firm, to conduct a comprehensive, independent analysis of Toyota and Lexus vehicles using the ETCS-i system (Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence) for concerns related to unintended acceleration.

TORRANCE, Los Angeles County — Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc. announced Feb. 12 that it will conduct a voluntary safety recall to inspect the front drive shaft on a small production run of certain 2010 model year Tacoma 4WD trucks.

The front shaft in approximately 8,000 vehicles may include a component that contains cracks that developed during the manufacturing process. As those vehicles are used, the cracks may eventually lead to the separation of the drive shaft at the joint portion.

The Japantown Merchants Association will hold a meeting on Monday, Feb. 22, at 2 p.m. at the Union Bank Hospitality Room, located in the Japan Center’s Miyako Mall (enter from Peace Plaza, Post and Buchanan streets in San Francisco).

The topic: “Your Business and the Internet.” Non-members are welcome to attend.

Agenda items include:

• How you can use the Internet to expand your business

• Overview of what social media is and its benefits

• Examples of social media (Facebook and Twitter)