Toyota to Recall 3000 Prius While Its India Launch Remains Undeterred

Toyota is planning to recall 3000 models of its hybrid car Toyota Prius that have shown braking problems. Toyota has apparently been reeling under safety woes which have now turned from a snowball into an avalanche. Toyota Prius has emerged as the best loved cars of Hollywood and of environmentalists.

"The company has notified its dealers in Japan that it would recall all the (new model Prius) vehicles sold in the country," quoted a mass-circulation newspaper, without giving a source. The Yomiuri Shimbun, Japanese newspaper said "The Company will also repair the software free of charge in the United States and other countries in a similar manner". The repairs will include upgrading the anti-lock braking system software issue that seems to have caused the trouble. Toyota will recall early this week, at least 311,000 units of its 2010 Prius gas-electric hybrid to fix its existing braking system said a person familiar with the matter, added 'The Sunday', an American publication.

The manufacturing units in the United States have begun manufacturing eight Toyota models that were involved in safety recall. The work was halted for a week but the US and Canadian plants recommenced production this week. However, an official of Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) -- the Indian joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Kirloskar Group said "Our plans remain absolutely unchanged. Bookings had started by January and the vehicles will be delivered by March-end or April beginning." The launch will go as planned and TKM has already received 54 bookings from Indian customers.