Toyota Announces Details on Recalled European Models, Says up to 1.8 Million Vehicles May Be Affected by Sticky Accelerator

Less than 24 hours after Toyota Motor Europe announced that it would be investigating potential accelerator pedal issues on its European models, the Japanese automaker released details on the affected vehicles. The recall involves a total of eight models. These are listed below:

-AYGO (Feb 2005 – Aug 2009)
-iQ (Nov 2008 – Nov 2009)
-Yaris (Nov 2005 – Sep 2009)
-Auris (Oct 2006 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Corolla (Oct 2006 – Dec 2009)
-Verso (Feb 2009 – 5 Jan 2010)
-Avensis (Nov 2008 – Dec 2009)
-RAV4 (Nov 2005 – Nov 2009)

The company said that precise number of involved units is still under investigation, but may reach up to a total of 1.8 million vehicles in the Old Continent, adding that no Lexus or other Toyota models are affected by the recall to solve a potential accelerator pedal issue.

"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 preventive measure aimed to guarantee the highest safety standards to all customers."

According to Toyota, there is a chance that certain accelerator pedal mechanisms on the affected models may, in rare instances, mechanically stick in a partially depressed position or return slowly to the idle position

Toyota said that the issue is caused because the accelerator pedal mechanisms concerned may become worn.

The Japanese automaker added that only a limited number of incidents have been reported in Europe, and that the company is not aware of any accident resulting from this issue.

Earlier this week, Toyota suspended sales of eight vehicles in the U.S. due to the sticky accelerator problem while the firm also added another 1.1 million vehicles to last fall's recall of 4.3 million vehicles in the USA.

Toyota Launches New Verso MPV 2.2 D-CAT 150 with Automatic Transmission

The new Toyota Verso MPV range in the UK has been updated with the introduction of a 2.2 D-CAT 150 diesel engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission that was also recently launched on the Avensis. The 2.2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel unit produces an output of 150 horsepower at 3,600rpm and maximum torque of 340Nm available from 2,000rpm. Acceleration from rest to 62mph comes in 10.1 seconds, official combined cycle fuel economy is 41.5mpg UK (34.6 mpg US or 6.8 lt / 100km) and CO2 emissions are 178g/km.

The seven-seater MPV with the 2.2 D-CAT 150 is available in the UK in Verso TR and T Spirit grades with both versions fitted as standard with 17-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Prices have been set at £20,835 for the TR, £22,265 for the T Spirit.

New Toyota Verso MPV Priced from £16,750 in the UK

The all-new, third-generation Toyota Verso goes on sale this week in the U.K. with prices ranging from £16,750 for the entry-level 1.8-liter T2 model to £20,675 for the flagship 2.0 D-4D T Sprint version. In Britain, Toyota's compact seven-seater minivan is offered with two engine options, a 1.8-liter petrol with 145HP and a 126HP 2.0-liter D-4D diesel while a 150HP 2.2-liter D-CAT diesel will join the range later this year.

Buyers can also choose from three different trim levels, with the basic T2 offering five airbags (including curtain airbags protecting all three rows of seats), air conditioning, four-speaker audio with steering wheel-mounted controls, Easy Flat-7 folding rear seats, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors and electric front windows as standard.

The TR grade adds Bluetooth, an Aux-in socket for connecting personal music players, additional driver and front passenger side airbags, leather steering wheel and gear knob trim, electric rear windows, front foglights and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Finally, the T Spirit models are further enhanced with climate control, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, Smart Entry and Start, cruise control and 17-inch alloys.