Toyota officials apologized to dealers Monday for recalls

Offered prospect of a splashy ad campaign combined w/ possible discounts or longer warranties to help lure back buyers

Dealers emerged from session in a forgiving mood, saying they still back brand

So far, they've fixed about 500K of 2.3M vehicles recalled to repair sticky accelerator pedals that can cause unintended acceleration

After sticky-pedal recall took hold, Toyota stopped selling 8 car models until dealers could fix them

Most recalled vehicles are now back on sale, but dealers' lots remain slow

Toyota officials wouldn't elaborate on details of campaign or related sales incentives

Toyota usually offers spring promotions as the buying season kicks into high gear

Toyota has traditionally eschewed factory discounts to consumers and many vehicles sell close to their sticker prices

Toyota hired independent testing firm Exponent to test electronic throttles

Interim report presented to congressional committees looking into acceleration issues

Report says Exponent "was unable to induce unintended acceleration" in any vehicle system it tested