Latest News
Wednesday, 22nd December 2010
In General Japan News,
Toyota faces fine over safety
Toyota has agreed to pay $32.4 million to the US government after failing to follow rules about recalling vehicles.
It means the Japanese automaker will have paid a total of $48.8 million to the US because it failed to correctly handle defect problems in two cases.
One set of fines is connected to the recall of five million vehicles following concerns that the accelerator pedal could became stuck down by the car's all-weather floor mats. Initially, drivers were encouraged to remove the mats but following another incident.
US regulators concluded that "removing floor mats was insufficient and that there was a need to redesign the accelerator pedal".
The second case involved a potential loss of steering control, which Toyota claimed was limited to cars sold in Japan. However, it was later forced to recall a number of US models which developed the same fault.
Meanwhile, Toyota has announced plans to increase its growth in sales by three per cent in 2011 by targeting emerging markets within Asia.
Written by Susan Ballion.
Related news stories:
Applications for Tokyo Marathon 'up 68%' (25th September 2008)
Toyota enjoys strong global sales to remain largest auto maker (30th October 2012)
Toyota to enter Japan's small car market (29th September 2010)
Toyota comes under further recall criticism (21st May 2010)
Toyota shareholders sue troubled firm (22nd March 2010)