Toyota suspends sales in US
* Eight models affected * Follows 2.3 million recall * Share value falls by 2%...
Toyota has revealed that it is to suspend sales of eight of its most popular vehicles in the US.
The decision to suspend sales comes a week after Toyota was forced to recall 2.3 million vehicles in the States, following safety fears involving a 'sticking' accelerator pedal.
A spokesman for Toyota said: 'This action is necessary until a remedy is finalised'.
Sales of the following vehicles will be suspended:
• 2007-2010 Camry and Tundra;
• 2009-2010 RAV4, Corolla and Matrix;
• 2005-2010 Avalon;
• 2010 Highlander;
• 2008-2010 Sequoia.
Talking of the risk that such a move could have on Toyota's sales, Koji Endo, auto analyst at Advanced Research Japan, said: 'The recall itself won't be a big problem for Toyota's earnings, but suspending production and sales could have a big impact, depending on how long it lasts.'
No news for the UK
As yet there are still no plans to recall vehicles in the UK.
A Toyota UK spokesman told us that it was a US-specific problem, but that safety issues were under 'ongoing investigation' and an announcement would be made only if any further action was required.
Toyota's share value fell by 2% on Japan's Nikkei index after it was announced that sales would be suspended.