ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 14 (UPI) -- General Motors Co. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz says Toyota executives should anticipate U.S. congressional hearings will be an "unpleasant experience."
During his public presentation at the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Roundtable Friday, Lutz diplomatically sidestepped questions about the rival company, The Detroit News reported. Instead he talked about what GM has done in the past year to improve its cars and about higher demand for them.
"We've been carefully briefed to stay away from any pronouncements about our No. 1 Japanese competitor. Sorry about that. See me privately," he said.
Toyota is conducting a massive recall involving some of its best-known brands, including the hybrid Prius.
Asked privately what advice he would give Toyota executives, Lutz said, "Be prepared for an unpleasant experience."
GM, Ford Motor Co. and Chrysler Group faced public relations problems after top executives flew to Washington for a committee hearing in private planes.
