Toyota

United Kingdom Autos Report Q2 2010

Industry Developments – Western Europe

Crisis At Toyota

Japan's Toyota Motor’s position as the market leader in the global automotives industry looks shaky after a

series of recalls that began in late 2009, when it was believed that floor mats were causing the accelerator

pedals to stick. It is now clear that the problem is much bigger and there is a great deal of significance

attached to the way the company deals with the issue. At the time of writing, the company had recalled some

8mn vehicles.

The extent of the crisis reached its peak when the sale and production of eight models in the region had been

put on hold, while 1.8mn vehicles in

Europe have been added to the list, as well

as an unspecified number in China. Toyota

Toyota Vehicle Sales By Region (H110

Financial Year)

2008/2009

has also agreed to work on at least 1mn

vehicles that are not officially included in

the recall, but belong to customers that have

expressed concern. Indeed, public relations

Japan,

903,000

North

America,

904,000

will be central to the company's handling of

the issue, as it tries to salvage its reputation

for quality and customer service.

Toyota's sales, particularly in North

America, are likely to suffer most from the

Europe,

435000

now record-breaking recalls, but to what

extent remains to be seen. The company has

Others,

466,000

A sia,

422,000

been conducting recalls and monitoring its

suppliers since 2006, after being involved

Source: Anfia

in a number of lawsuits regarding accidents

linked to vehicle defects. Yet the company has still risen to the global top spot.

© Business Monitor International Ltd

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United Kingdom Autos Report Q2 2010

Toyota Vehicle Recall Timeline

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