The worst U.S. environmental disaster in history and a leading automaker beset by recalls: Was 2010 a year that we’d all like to forget? As we launch into 2011, Process Excellence Network looks back at two of the top stories that shaped last year and the lessons learned for operational excellence practitioners.

First up, Toyota was beset by massive product recalls and damage to its reputation after questions over the safety of its cars and allegations that the company did not act quickly enough once problems had been identified.

The affair really began following the death of an off-duty police officer and his family back in August 2009 after their car, a Toyota Lexus, unexpectedly accelerated, crashed into another vehicle, tumbled over an embankment, and burst into flames.  

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