US fines Toyota USD 17.4 million for delays in safety reports

The US Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that Toyota has agreed to pay USD 17.35 million, the maximum fine allowable under the law, in response to the agency's assertion that the Japanese automaker "failed to report a safety defect to the federal government in a timely manner."

"This action represents the single highest civil penalty amount ever paid to NHTSA for violations stemming from a recall," the US agency that monitors vehicle safety said in a statement.

"Safety is our highest priority," said US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

"With today