A major setback for Toyota, one of the world’s most respected and trusted automakers. Today the U.S. Justice Department announced the Japanese automaker had agreed to pay a $1.2 billion fine in order to avoid a criminal fraud charge. This is the largest fine ever against an automaker. The criminal charge stems from an investigation into the sticky gas pedal/floor mat controversy. Toyota began getting complaints in 2009 that some of the gas pedals on its vehicles appeared to jam or stick — causing sudden acceleration... Read More →