Toyota boss 'sorry' for anxiety

The president of Toyota has apologised for any anxiety caused by the company's throttle recall, but has insisted its cars are still safe to drive.

In his first major public speech since the recall crisis engulfed Toyota, Akio Toyoda said: "I'm deeply sorry about the inconvenience and concern we have caused customers. But, believe me, Toyota cars are safe."

He added that the company had not yet decided whether to issue a recall for the Toyota Prius, which is subject to an investigation into a potential brake problem.

Toyota says the problem effects the brake feel when the ABS system engages, as the system switches from regenerative mode However, Toyoda conceeded that the company has extended an internal probe of the brake problem with the Prius to cover the rest of its hybrid range, including Lexus models.

Reports suggest the US government is planning to launch its own investigation into the Prius braking issues, and Toyoda said Toyota would co-operate fully with the American enquiry.

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