The Japanese car maker Toyota has confirmed it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid cars worldwide to fix brake problems.
The recall centres on concerns over the software controlling the braking system on slick surfaces. Customers have claimed a temporary brake failure can occur at low speeds, particularly on bumpy or slippery surfaces.
The company has said it will take remedial steps as soon as possible in the US, Europe and other regions.The recall affects 8,500 Prius models in the UK made before January 27.Commenting on the recall, Toyota president Akio Toyoda said: "Let me assure everyone that we will redouble our commitment to quality as the lifeline of our company. With myself taking the lead, all of us at Toyota will tackle the issue in close cooperation with our dealers and with our suppliers.
ÔÇ£Together, we will do everything in our power to regain the confidence of our customers.ÔÇØ
In a separate statement, Toyoda also said: ÔÇ£For us at Toyota, this episode is an occasion for redoubling our commitment to quality as our most fundamental principleÔÇöindeed, as the very life of our company.
ÔÇ£I will take charge personally of a coordinated effort by everyone at Toyota, at our dealers, and at our suppliers to regain the confidence of our customers. And I assure you we will devote ourselvesÔÇöheart and soulÔÇöto that effort.ÔÇØ
Toyota is officially recalling the 2010 Prius gas-electric hybrid, which is the world's top-selling hybrid car, as well as three other modelsÔÇöthe Lexus HS 250, the Toyota Sai and the Prius Plug-In Hybrid.
The latest version of the Prius is sold in about 60 countries, with sales reaching just over 300,000 since the first models were rolled out last spring.
The Lexus hybrid is sold in the US, while the Sai is marketed only in Japan.
The Lexus hybrid, a model from ToyotaÔÇÖs luxury range, is now featuring in recalls as it is built using the same platform as the third-generation Prius and therefore shares the same software fault.
About 15,500 Lexus hybrids have been sold since the model was introduced last summer.
There have been nearly 200 complaints in Japan and the US of drivers experiencing braking issues. New software that oversees the controls of the antilock brakes is required for those cars affected, according to Toyota.
The news follows last monthÔÇÖs recall of eight million Toyotas over fears of accelerator pedal defects in several models. Lawyers in the US claim the defects have led to 19 deaths.
