Toyota Motor Corp. agreed to pay a $1.2 billion fine -- the largest penalty ever imposed against an automaker, according to prosecutors -- to resolve federal charges related to its handling of unintended acceleration problems that ultimately led to the recall of more than 10 million vehicles. Under a "deferred prosecution” agreement with the U.S. Justice Department announced here today, Toyota will admit that it misled consumers by concealing information and making false statements about safety issues. The agreement puts Toyota under the watch of an independent monitor who will review and assess its communication policies related to safety.
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