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Jul 2, 2010
Toyota to recall 270,000 cars



The latest quality lapse comes as the world's largest automaker scrambles to repair its reputation following the recall of 8.5 million vehicles around the globe because of problems with sticking accelerator pedals. -- PHOTO: AP

TOKYO - TOYOTA Motor Corp. announced on Friday it will recall 270,000 vehicles worldwide, including luxury Lexus sedans, to fix faulty engines. The recalled vehicles include seven Lexus models as well as the popular Crown, Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco said. Of the 270,000 cars, some 180,000 were sold overseas and 90,000 in Japan.

Toyota will inform Japan's transport ministry of a recall of 90,000 vehicles on Monday, Mr Nolasco said. He could not give further details. The latest quality lapse comes as the world's largest automaker scrambles to repair its reputation following the recall of 8.5 million vehicles around the globe because of problems with sticking accelerator pedals.

Toyota was slapped with a record US$16.4 million (S$22.8 million) fine in the United States for acting too slowly to recall vehicles with defects. Toyota dealers have repaired millions of vehicles, but the automaker still faces more than 200 lawsuits tied to accidents, the lower resale value of Toyota vehicles, and the drop in the company's stock. -- AP