Toyota chief executive, Akio Toyoda, has apologized to the US Congress and millions of American Toyota owners for safety lapses that led to deaths and widespread recalls.

Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda (C) testifies at a hearing before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., capital of the United States, Feb. 24, 2010. [Xinhua]

The grandson of the founder of the world's largest automaker, appeared before the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, on Wednesday.

Apologizing to consumers before skeptical U.S. lawmakers.

Toyota Motor Corp's chief Akio Toyoda stepped to center stage, in a sprawling investigation into the Japanese automaker's safety crisis.

Akio Toyoda, Toyota chief executive, said, "I am deeply sorry for any accidents that Toyota drivers have experienced. Especially, I would like to extend my condolences to the members of the Saylor family, for the accident in San Diego. I would like to send my prayers again, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again."

Toyoda's appearance marked a dramatic peak in a safety crisis that broke out a month ago. It began with a series of recalls because of unintended acceleration and braking problems. In total, more than 8.5 million vehicles have been recalled globally.

Some experts believe electronics may be at the root of the problems.

But Toyoda told the panel he was "absolutely confident" there was no problem with the electronics of Toyota vehicles.

He repeated the company's position that sudden accelerations were caused by either a sticking gas pedal, or a misplaced floor mat.

Toyoda pledged his company would change the way it handles consumer complaints, including seeking greater input from drivers and outside safety experts when considering recalls.

He said managers will also drive cars under investigation, to experience potential problems first hand.

Unintended acceleration has been linked to at least five U.S. deaths, with 29 other fatality reports being examined by authorities.

U.S. lawmakers warned Toyoda that his company would have to pay for the deaths and injuries, as lawsuits mount.