Toyota's US sales chief James Lentz planned to tell members of a House panel the company is confident no problems exist with electric throttle system

Lentz said Toyota believes sudden acceleration incidents were caused by improperly placed floor mats and "sticky" accelerator pedals

Testimony sets up a clash with lawmakers who have said in advance of hearing they believe electronic faults can't be eliminated as a cause

Lentz's prepared testimony released ahead of hearing before House Energy and Commerce Committee on Tuesday morning

In statement, Lentz apologized for company's failure to move more quickly to address safety problems

It has taken company too long to come to grips with a rare but serious set of safety issues, despite good faith efforts, statement said

Lentz will cite recent actions by Toyota to recall Toyota Prius and other hybrid models and certain Toyota Tacoma pickups to address safety concerns

Toyota prepared to stand by its position that incidents are linked to 2 mechanical problems covered by recalls the company has announced

1 involves floor mats that can come loose and trap the gas pedal, other involves accelerators that can become worn and "sticky," or stuck

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D., Calif.) and subcommittee chairman Bart Stupak (D., Mich.) criticized Toyota

Criticized Toyota for resisting possibility that problems with Toyota vehicles were caused by electronic faults

Some safety advocates and lawsuit attorneys have said that some accidents cannot be explained by either of problems Toyota has identified