Three hours of intense grilling, an apology and a pledge to restore consumers' trust was just not enough, as lawmakers questioned "Where is the remorse from Toyota Motors?" and labeled Toyota's actions as "absolutely appalling" on reports of defusing a safety investigation.

In his first appearance before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Toyota Motors President Akio Toyoda said, "My name is on the company," as he personally and repeatedly apologized to Congress and millions of anxious American car-owners. "You have my personal commitment that Toyota will work vigorously and unceasingly to restore the trust of our customers," Toyoda said in his remarks to the panel.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) too bore the brunt of panel's criticism. The panel found NHTSA - responsible for overseeing auto safety, at fault in its duties.

Till date there have 34 reported deaths in the US caused by unintended accelerations in Toyota cars and trucks over the past decade.