Auto News India - Toyota to suspend production of its hybrids

By Anoop Kumawat 11 Feb, 2010 at 7:00:55 AM

Struggling with a series of biggest-ever vehicle recalls due to safety related issues in its vehicles, Toyota Motor Corporation on Wednesday announced that it will suspend the production of its hybrid models, Toyota HS250h and Toyota Sai from coming weekend. The news came just a day after Toyota Motors announced recall of a large number of its hybrid vehicles including Toyota Prius, Toyota HS250h and Toyota Sai.

Toyota Motors enhanced its global recall to 400,000 units from previously announced 3 lakh units of its hybrid models including a large number of Toyota Prius models. Company will suspend the production from this week end through to February 20, as in a statement given by company spokesman to media. The high intensity of these safety related issues forced Toyota Motors to repair around 8.7 million vehicles globally which is the highest-ever vehicle recall by an automobile company.

According to the company spokesman, as company will decide the time frame for changes which has to be made in these hybrid models, it will decide upon the resumption of production. However, in Japan Toyota dealers started the process of fixing software related problems in the company’s highest-selling hybrid model Toyota Prius.

On the other hand in India Toyota has started preparation of launching its India-oriented sedan model, Toyota Etios. The production of Toyota Etios model will be started from December 2010 and the model is expected to be launched by the end of first quarter of next year. According to the company first the sedan version of Toyota Etios will be launched and as after analyzing the response of the Indian buyers the hatchback version will be rolled out.

Know more about popular cars in India - Maruti Alto, Maruti Wagon R, Maruti Swift, Hyundai i10, Honda City, Fiat Linea, Toyota Corolla.