Toyota responds to large recall

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) - Toyota executives face tough congressional questions as lawmakers begin the first hearings on how the car maker did or didn't respond to safety issues.

Earlier this year the auto company issued its largest recall for millions of vehicles. The reason was flawed gas pedals that stick.

It took weeks for Toyota to come up with a solution to fix the problem. Now dealerships across the country have the parts to correct the defect.

In the nation's capital, lawmakers say Toyota ignored comsumers' pleas.

They're dealing with Toyota's problems as you would expect, offering deals, offering apologies to customers, and fixing recalled cars. Trying to keep things "business as usual" hasn't been very easY.

At Balise Toyota in Warwick, mechanics continue to work on a steady stream of recalled cars and trucks.

"Now it's a steady flow, but 99% are relaxed and look at it as not a big deal" says Jeb Balise, owner of Balise Toyota in Warwick.

But it is a big deal for Toyota drivers like Rhonda Smith, who testified at the first of two congressional hearings in Washington, D.C. She experienced sudden unintended acceleration when her Lexus reached speeds up to 100 miles an hour.

For local dealers, stories like Rhonda's does concern their customers. However they try to alleviate fears by reiterating it's a rare occurance.

"We've never had a case involved with what's on the news, lets get the cars repaired and move forward" states Balise.

But the hits against Toyota keep on coming. There's no doubt for local dealers, the ones on the front lines who have to face angry customers.

"It is certainly a challenge just getting thru all of our associates and keeping everybody positive" said Balise.

Jeb Balise said he is watching the congressional hearings with interest. He says sales remain fairly steady and customer loyalty remains strong.