Toyota recall won't affect launches

Toyota says it will not delay new product launches despite the high-profile recall on its Prius models.

The Japanese car maker is planning to launch three models this year - the revised Rav4, the Auris and the Auris Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), the petrol/electric hybrid model. However, there was speculation that all three might be subject to a delay after chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe, Tadashi Arashima, suggested the company might postpone the launches.

However, a Toyota spokesman insisted: 'No products have been delayed. Production for HSD will start at our Burnaston plant in June ready for the launch in July. The plant will shut down for two weeks prior to that to allow for additional tooling and to meet the extra demand.'

The spokesman confirmed that development for new products is on track and that there are no plans to postpone any other new launches.

Toyota was forced to launch a worldwide recall following 77 reported cases of braking problems with third-generation Prius models sold in Japan. The problem affected 8,500 UK cars and owners were advised to book their cars in for a software upgrade in the anti-lock braking system.