By MARK RAWCLIFFE [email protected]
Car giants Toyota and Peugeot-Citröen (PSA) are at the centre of one of the biggest car recalls in recent times due to a fault in various models described as a “sticky pedal”.
The recall could affect up to 1.8 million Toyotas and 97,000 Peugeot-Citröens throughout Europe, and more than eight million cars worldwide,
The current Toyota problem affects the accelerator pedal, which could remain in a “partially depressed position” or may return slowly to the idle position after the driver’s foot has been removed.
“Toyota’s policy is to put its customers first, in all circumstances”, said Tadashi Arashima, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe. “We understand that the current situation is creating concerns, and we deeply regret it. We would also like to reassure customers: the potential accelerator pedal issue only occurs in very rare circumstances. The announced action is a preventative measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers.”
A Peugeot spokesperson said: “Peugeot-Citröen has decided, in line with its stringent quality policy, to launch a similar programme for a selected range of Peugeot 107s and Citroën C1s, which are produced in co-operation with Toyota in a shared plant.”
The recall for Peugeot-Citröen will involve only 10 per cent of the total number of 107s and C1s in circulation.
Toyota and Peugeot customers are advised to contact their nearest main dealer service department to see if repairs and upgrades are necessary.
Meanwhile, Honda said it would recall 646,000 of its popular Jazz and City models because of a faulty window switch, after a child died when fire broke out in a car in South Africa last year.
Even Ferrari has joined the recall race, calling for a return of all of the F430 Scuderia and 16M’s to rectify a problem with the tyres. The tyres will unexpectedly lose pressure following prolonged use at high speeds for long periods of time.
Do you have a view on this story? Please email Editor Inês Lopes at [email protected]
1″>news
