2009–2010 vehicle recalls

2009–2010 vehicle recalls

Main article: 2009–2010 Toyota vehicle recalls

In January 2010, Toyota announced it was recalling up to 1.8 million cars across Europe, including about 220,000 in the UK, following problems with defective accelerator pedals..[9] Many Toyota models were involved, covering the 2007-2010 model years. Toyota subsequently recalled the Prius model for reprogramming of its ABS system. The U.S. Sales Chief, James Lentz, was questioned by the United States Congress committees on Oversight and Investigations on February 23, 2010, as a result of recent recalls.[10] On 26 March Toyota said it would halt production in France and Britain for 12 days because of poor sales following the recalls.[11] On 6 April 2010, The US government sought a record penalty of US$16.375 million from Toyota for its delayed response in notifying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regarding the defective accelerator pedals,[12] and on 19 April Toyota said that it would pay the fine.[13][14] The company said the recalls could cost the company up to US$2 billion (GB£1.25 billion)[clarification needed] in lost output and sales.