Toyota President Expresses Regret Over Fatal Crash

In this image provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accelerator...

In this image provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, accelerator interference caused by an out-of-position all-weather floor mat is demonstrated. Toyota Motor Corp.'s President Akio Toyoda speaks to the media during a news conference in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. Toyoda said it was "extremely regrettable" an American family died in a crash in which a floor mat in one of the Japanese automake's vehicles is suspected as the cause. "Four precious lives have been lost," Toyoda said Friday. "I offer my deepest condolences."

(National Highway Traffic Safety Administration/AP Photo)

Toyota's president said it was "extremely regrettable" an American family died in a crash in which a floor mat in one of the Japanese automaker's vehicles is suspected as the cause.

"Four precious lives have been lost," Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda said Friday. "I offer my deepest condolences."

Without giving specifics, he said an investigation was under way into the problem which potentially affects 3.8 million Toyota vehicles in the U.S., and may cause the accelerator to get stuck. If Toyota decides on a recall, it would be its biggest ever in the U.S.

Toyoda, who took helm at the world's top automaker in June, told reporters in Tokyo that Toyota was cooperating with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. to investigate the cause of the August accident.

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That crash killed California Highway Patrol Officer Mark Saylor, 45 — who was driving a Lexus, a Toyota luxury model — and three family members on State Route 125 outside San Diego.

The vehicle was traveling at more than 120 mph when it launched off an embankment, rolled several times and burst into flames.

Toyoda said the company was still deciding what action it would take and did not acknowledge any vehicle problem during his appearance at the Japan National Press Club.

He apologized for any worries customers may have.

"I feel sorry that people who are driving Toyota and Lexus cars believing in their safety are now feeling uncertainties," he said.

NHTSA investigators determined that a rubber all-weather floor mat found in the wreckage was slightly longer than the mat that belonged in the vehicle, something that could have snared or covered the accelerator pedal.

Toyota has issued a safety advisory urging owners of 3.8 million car and trucks — including popular models like Camry, Prius and Tacoma — to remove driver-side mats. It wants drivers to watch out for loose or incorrect mats that could slide out of position and cover pedals.