Japan says Toyota should have acted earlier on recall

Mark Willacy, Tokyo

Last Updated: Wed, 10 Feb 2010 08:01:00 +1100

Japan's transport minister has publicly berated the president of Toyota in front of the media over the car giant's handling of safety problems.

The world's leading auto-maker has announced the recall of more than 400,000 hybrid cars.

Toyota issued the global recall for the latest model Prius hybrid to repair a flaw in the braking system.

In recent weeks it has also recalled eight-million other cars after complaints about sticky accelerator pedals and slipping floor mats.

Japan's Transport Minister Seiji Maehara has berated Toyota's president Akio Toyoda in front of reporters, saying the car-maker should have listened to its customers earlier and respected their complaints.

Mr Maehara says Toyota may have taken concerns about the Prius braking problem too lightly.

Language News