Global recall of Prius not to hit India plans: Toyota

Japanese auto major Toyota will not change plans to bring hybrid car Prius to India, an official of its subsidiary said here today, amid reports of the firm planning a global recall of the model.

"Our plans remain absolutely unchanged. Bookings had started by January and the vehicles will be delivered by March-end or April beginning," said an official of Toyota Kirloskar Motors (TKM) -- the Indian joint venture between Toyota Motor Corporation and the Kirloskar Group.

So far the company has got orders for 54 units of Prius from customers in India, the official added.

According to reports, Toyota plans to recall around 3 lakh units of Prius in the US and Japan due to faulty brake system, close on the heels of its recent recall of 8 million cars around the world because of sticky accelerator pedals.

In a public statement Toyota Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda said on Friday that the new Prius now in showrooms 'included an improvement' without specifying the problems.

"For Prius in the hands of customers, I have instructed that consideration be made as soon as possible regarding the way to address such units. Once a decision is made we will inform the public," he said.

In India TKM had announced the launch of Prius at the Auto Expo in January. Priced between Rs 26.55 lakh and Rs 27.86 lakh (ex-showroom New Delhi), and has ordered 200 units from its parent to be sold during March-December this year.

Prius became the world's first mass produced hybrid vehicle in 1997 and has so far sold nearly 1.5 million.