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[above: Customers looking at the Toyota Prius at Borneo Motors' showroom at Leng Kee Road, Singapore on Feb 8, 2010.]
What's happening
* Recall of nearly half a million Prius spreads to Singapore
* 70 Prius registered by distributor Borneo Motors are affected
* Owners to come in for software reprogramming of anti-lock brake system
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By TONY NG
In a third major recall exercise since September 2008, Toyota Motor Corp will recall nearly half a million of its flagship hybrid Prius and other hybrids for braking problems across the globe.
Toyota's president Akio Toyoda vowed that the car giant would do "everything in our power" to regain customer confidence after its mass global safety recalls spread to the Prius hybrid. "We will tackle the issue with dealers and suppliers," he said.
Borneo Motors, the agent for Toyota here, today followed up with a recall for the Prius in Singapore for inconsistent brake feel.
The recall will involve a software upgrade of the anti-lock brake system (ABS) for the third-generation Prius 1.8-litre. There are about 70 vehicles of the third-generation 1.8-litre Prius on the road, registered under Borneo Motors here.
Mr Eddie Lo, CEO of parallel importer Hybrid Motor said that parallel-imported Prius owners have "already been contacted" and are expected to come in for re-programming in the next few days. Hybrid Motor has sold 13 vehicles in the affected batch.
Owners of the latest, third-generation Prius have complained that on bumpy or icy roads, the regenerative brakes - which help charge the vehicles' electric battery - appear to slip, causing the vehicles to lurch forward before the traditional brakes engage.
Customers who purchased their third-generation Prius from Borneo Motors will be notified and scheduled for an appointment for the system upgrade at no cost.
However if an owner experiences inconsistent brake feel, he or she should depress the brake pedal using firm pressure, Borneo Motors advised.
Three other models involved in Toyota's global recall, the Prius plug-in hybrid, the Sai and the Lexus HS250h, are not distributed here.
Owners of first-, second-generation Prius and other hybrid vehicles will have no cause for worry. Borneo Motors clarified that their ABS management systems are different from the third-generation Prius, which is an all-new vehicle built from scratch.
Borneo Motors' marketing manager, Ms Angela Toh, said they were unable to put a figure to the cost of the Singapore recall. But the total cost for Toyota stood at roughly $2.8 billion as of last week, which excludes the hybrids' recall.
US authorities have reported more than 100 complaints of brake problems on the Prius, while Toyota said it had received 77 complaints in Japan.
Those who have concerns may contact Borneo Motors Customer Contact Centre at 6475-1288 or e-mail to cr@inchcapemotors.com.sg
tonyng@sph.com.sg
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