A congressional oversight committee called officials into a hearing next Thursday to examine the government's response to Toyota Motor Corp.'s huge recall of cars and trucks over potentially malfunctioning gas pedals. Separately, the Japanese automaker, beset by acceleration problems in many of its vehicles, said its recall in Europe may affect 1.8 million vehicles. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will hear testimony from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, said committee Chairman Edolphus Towns, a New York Democrat. The situation has spawned confusion and concern that the pedal issues may not be isolated to Toyota, Towns said. Consumer Reports magazine suspended its "recommended" status for the eight models recalled in the U.S., as well as one Pontiac model that also may have sticky accelerator pedals. Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons said the company will announce next week how it will solve the problem, and the repair work should be finished in less than a month.

- Tribune Newspapers

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