TOYOTA, Aichi Pref. — With its reputation severely damaged by safety issues, Toyota Motor Corp. announced several steps Tuesday to improve its image, including the establishment of a panel of regional and local quality-control executives that will call the shots on recalls and other steps.

The committee, which held its first meeting Tuesday, will also share global information on claims, defects and recalls more speedily, Toyota said.

"We need to assert a renewed commitment to 'customer first' in reviewing all our work processes from a customer perspective," President Akio Toyoda told the regional and local heads at the start of the meeting at the company's headquarters. "Let this gathering today be our first step. Let us share first-person insights and hold constructive debate. Let us make the most of this invaluable opportunity."