**The head of a US panel investigating Toyota’s giant car recall has called on the firm’s boss to testify next week - something he has so far declined to do.**Edolphus Towns, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, wants Akio Toyoda to “clarify” how the recall is working.
Mr Toyoda has so far declined to appear before US authorities, saying he was leading the recall effort from Japan.
Toyota is continuing to recall 8.5 million vehicles worldwide.
It has been hit by three main faults - faulty accelerator pedals, accelerator pedals getting stuck in floor mats, and a problem with the braking system on its Prius hybrid model.
“The public is unsure as to what exactly the problem is, whether it is safe to drive their cars, or what they should do about it,” said Mr Towns, a Democrat Representative, in his open letter.
Toyota has been criticised in the US for being too slow in both starting and implementing the recalls.
Mr Toyoda recently said he planned to travel to the US soon to meet with workers and dealers, but no timescale has yet been released.
Mr Towns’ committee is due to meet on Wednesday, 24 February.
It is fair for those asked to appear not to turn up.