U.S. opens investigation into Toyota Prius
The Associated Press
11:33 AM EST February 4, 2010
When the Prius moves on a bumpy or slippery surface, a driver can feel a pause in the braking when the vehicle switches between the traditional hydraulic brakes and the electronically operated braking system, said Paul Nolasco, a Toyota spokesman.
© Reuters
Safety regulators opened a formal investigation into consumer complaints about braking on 2010 Toyota Prius hybrids, the latest jolt to the automaker already reeling from massive recalls and intensified safety scrutiny.
Prius is the world's best-selling hybrid, and U.S. consumers have clamored for the gasoline-electric vehicle as tastes gravitate away from gas guzzlers to cars and trucks with better fuel efficiency.
Toyota Motor Corp shares, which fell 6 percent on the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday, were off another 2.3 percent in morning trading on Thursday. They closed off 35 percent in Tokyo.
The Transportation Department's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said it had received 124 complaints about momentary Prius braking problems after motorists rolled over bumps or potholes.
Motorists allege four crashes and two minor injuries were caused by the problems. The NHTSA investigation covers 37,000 vehicles.
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