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Toyota Announces Worldwide Prius Recall

Braking issues force recall of nearly 500K hybrids

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 9, 2010 2:47 AM CST | Updated Feb 9, 2010 6:18 AM CST
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(Newser) – Toyota president Akio Toyoda apologized to customers as he confirmed the widely expected worldwide recall of 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles today. "We sincerely acknowledge safety concerns from our customers," he said at a press conference in Tokyo. "We have decided to recall as we regard safety for our customers as our foremost priority."

The recall of the company's flagship brand over braking issues is another massive blow to Toyota, following earlier recalls affecting over 7 million vehicles. Its share price, however, has started drifting upward again after plunging nearly 20% in recent weeks. "The fact that they're taking concrete steps on the issue is being seen as positive," one analyst tells Reuters.

Workers give the final check on newly assembled new 2010 Prius hybrid vehicles at Toyota Tsutsumi Plant in Toyota, central Japan.
Workers give the final check on newly assembled new 2010 Prius hybrid vehicles at Toyota Tsutsumi Plant in Toyota, central Japan.   (AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)
Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda grimaces as he makes a recall announcement at a press conference at its Tokyo headquarters today.
Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda grimaces as he makes a recall announcement at a press conference at its Tokyo headquarters today.   (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 9 comments
finkster
Feb 9, 2010 9:39 AM CST
Oh how the mighty have fallen...but it was their fault for trying to get the cheapest parts for their cars to eventually increase profits.
jfcd
Feb 9, 2010 8:58 AM CST
Also, there's Mitsubishi, and Nissan in the market, and they make some pretty good cars.
kyleleitch
Feb 9, 2010 8:56 AM CST
Not likely. Frankly, even though there are these safety issues, they can be fixed; American cars' lack of fuel economy can't. Toyota has cemented their place as a leader in efficiency. I could also be wrong. I don't follow American car companies very closely.
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Toyota • Toyota Prius • Prius • hybrid car • Toyota recall • Akio Toyoda • Lexus HS250h • Prius recall

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