Toyota Motor Corp to Recall Prius 

2010-02-09 11:37

 

Toyota Motor Corp is recalling nearly half million of its flagship Prius hybrid and other hybrid cars for braking problems.

Toyota’s president apologized for the recalls.

[Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corp]:
“We would like to apologize to all our customers who are having anxieties while waiting for Toyota to complete the reform due to recalls. However, if you were ever to face a brake problem, please step on the brake firmly and the car will definitely come to a complete stop.”

Toyota will be recalling a total of 436-thousand units of its 2010 Prius, Sai, Prius PHV (plug-in hybrid), and Lexus HS250h hybrids globally.

The recall covers 223-thousand vehicles in Japan and 150-thousand in North America.

[Akio Toyoda, President, Toyota Motor Corp]:
“Let me assure everyone that we will redouble our commitment to quality as a lifeline of our company.”

The world's largest automaker is under fire for two other recalls covering more than 8 million vehicles worldwide due to problems with slipping floor mats and sticky accelerator pedals.

It is also facing a potential rush of litigation for crashes linked to those problems and blamed for 19 deaths and numerous injuries in the United States over the past decade.