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Beleaguered Japanese motor company Toyota suffered further embarrassment when it ordered a recall of 8,500 cars in the UK due to a brake problem.
The UK recall of the Prius hybrid cars is part of a 400,000-vehicle recall worldwide.
The news is the latest blow to the company's esteem following around 7 million recalls globally, including 180,000 in the UK, over accelerator problems.
With its ultra-low emissions, the petrol-electric Prius is seen as the foremost "green" car and makes up more than a third of the UK Government's 240-vehicle ministerial and dispatch car pool.
However, none of the Government cars are part of the UK recall which only involves third-generation Priuses made from last summer up to January 27 this year.
Toyota said the problem related to what it described as "inconsistent brake feel" during slow and steady braking on bumpy road surfaces when the anti-lock braking system (ABS) was actuated.
There have been reports of more than 120 cases of braking problems in the USA. Toyota said there had been no accidents linked to the problem in Europe.
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Toyota GB said the recall would consist of a software upgrade in the ABS. The procedure would be carried out free of charge and would take about 40 minutes using standard test equipment in use at all authorised Toyota service centres.
The company said it would write individually to every owner or keeper in the next few days.
