Toyota recalls 437,000 cars over brake problems

Toyota has announced that it is to recall nearly half a million of its hybrid cars around the world due to a problem with the braking system.

In a further blow to the company, it was revealed that the recall also affects its high-end Lexus brand, as the Lexus HS 250 hybrid shares the same platform as the third-generation Prius, the world's best-selling hybrid car.

Toyota president Akio Toyoda, a member of the company's founding-family, said that "[w]e have decided to recall as we regard safety for our customers as our foremost priority." Another model which is affected is the Sai hybrid, which is currently sold only in Japan.

Coming so soon after last month's recall of a staggering eight million Toyotas over fears of accelerator pedal defects in several models, it is publicity the company could do without. Lawyers in the US further claim that defects with the cars have led to 19 deaths and the company is now facing over thirty lawsuits in North America.