Norton: Is My Camry Hybrid Safe?

(CBS)  Updated 5:51 p.m. EST

In a sometimes awkward exchange, D.C. congressional delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton challenged Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda over whether her car - a Toyota Camry hybrid - will ever appear on a recall list for any reason.

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Toyoda was appearing before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Wednesday, where he apologized to and millions of American Toyota owners - for safety lapses that led to deaths and widespread recalls for accelerator and braking failures.

Norton said she had always bought American cars, but switched to the Camry hybrid when American manufacturers were not keeping up with Japanese innovations.

"I was relying on this extraordinary reputation for quality and safety that had been built over generations," Norton said. "So I ask you, is there any chance that the Camry hybrid will be recalled?"

Yoshimi Inaba, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America Inc., insisted that the Toyota Camry is in fact an American car - in that it is manufactured in the U.S. from U.S.-made parts - sparking an angry Norton to ask whether Inaba was disavowing the vehicles' Japanese provenance amid the company's current difficulties.

"It's got Mr. Toyoda's name on it," Norton said.

Inaba ultimately said only, "I think you will be very safe driving the car."

The delegate represents the District of Columbia in Congress and serves on committees but does not have a vote on the House floor.

More on Toyota at CBSNews.com:

Toyoda: "Priorities Became Confused"
Ray LaHood's Bottom Line on Toyota
LaHood: Recalled Toyotas "Not Safe"
Issa: Government Shares Blame for Toyota Mess
Issa: Japanese Open Their Own Toyota Probe
CBS News Exclusive: Toyota Study Disputes Acceleration Problem
Recall Success No Sure Bet
Toyota Has Donated to Investigating Reps.
Toyota Victim Recounts "Near Death" Trip
Issa: Toyota Hearings Will Be Fair
Are Electromagnetic Fields to Blame?

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[erb0087]

"Norton: Is My Camry Hybrid Safe?"

What does Ralph say ?

[7276sps]

Hell I drive a Honda and my wife drives a Honda and if Honda had the same problems which they probably do but cover it up better I would Biotch too

[45ford]

It very much seems her utmost concern is only about her own vehicle rather than all of the those of belonging to her constituents. Typical politician - it in for herself and no one else. :drop kick:

[dnamj]

My Volkswagon has had several recalls. Most cars do. Usually for little things. In fact, little recalls are a good sign that your car company actually is responsible, and not covering up problems. A better questions to ask is: will you honestly put out a recall is one is needed, or will you cover it up again?

[jsachse]

How do idiots like this get elected?

[hateisafourletterword]

Perhaps she should have purchased an American car company auto. Oops, she is a democrat and most democrats drive German or Japanese made cars. I drive a GMC and have driven mostly American brand cars my entire life.

[sandy19731]

As the executive said, the Toyota Camry is a car made in the USA.

[retiredgustav]

Where do you get your facts? Most of the Democrats I know drive Fords and Chevys.

[robbyr2]

What person is going to make the statement she asked? Fortunately, she has no vote.

[jwesel1]

Yoshimi Inaba, president and CEO of Toyota Motor North America Inc., insisted that the car is 100% safe as long as it is parked.