The auto giant Toyota has been fined a record $1.2 billion to resolve a criminal probe of safety defects in its cars. The penalty includes an admission that Toyota misled customers about problems that forced the cars’ acceleration even as drivers tried to slow down. Attorney General Eric Holder called the fine the largest of its kind.

Attorney General Eric Holder: “The $1.2 billion payment represents the largest criminal penalty imposed on a car company in the history of the United States. This is appropriate, given the extent of the deception carried out by Toyota in this case. Put simply, Toyota’s conduct was shameful. It showed a blatant disregard for systems and laws designed to look after the safety of consumers. By the company’s own admission, it protected its brand ahead of its own customers. This constitutes a clear and reprehensible abuse of the public trust.”

Holder says the case could serve as a model for resolving other car safety cases, including the General Motors recall of millions of vehicles over faulty ignition switches.