To date a shift is certainly planned but at an unknown date

Direct consequence of the problems it is facing for several weeks, Toyota will reduce its global production in 2010 to account for the lost sales since the outbreak of crises of Accelerator and braking systems. "We have suspended sales, therefore we adjust the volume of production," explained yesterday Akio Toyoda, the President of Toyota, in its third public delivery within 10 days. In January, its sales in the United States fell by 16, and the results of February should not be best.

This step is that in addition to the suspension of activity decided recently to eight plants in North America. The impact of this measure was then estimated to be 100,000 vehicles lost until March 31, the end of the fiscal year. While production had just resume, Toyota will again close two American production sites for 11 days. In France, the Japanese manufacturer has already announced a slowdown in the rates of production in Valenciennes.

In the Japan, the production of some models hybrid has also been interrupted.

Tests on accelerators

While adjusting, Toyota seeks to reassure. He announced yesterday wanting to equip its new models of electronic boxes of the control, adopting, for the mainstream, a decision dating from November. It automatically give priority to the braking if the two pedals (accelerator and brake) are pressed simultaneously. The constructor then had taken the initiative to equip this device models recalled to floor mat problems that blocked the accelerator. The first global automaker also decided to appoint an independent body to conduct further tests on the systems of accelerator.

Now to the point on the technical measures taken in this crisis - he assured yesterday that 80 of the recalled Prius should be dealt with at the end of this month-, Akio Toyoda in contrast to convince the more political aspects. Pressed to questions about why the push to do not go to the United States and especially to not attend in person at the hearing of the Congress in a few days in Washington, the President of group in held in matters of agenda, while renewing its confidence in Yoshimi Inaba, the President for North America, "perfectly capable of answering the questions". To date, a shift is certainly planned, but at an unknown date. "His absence will have a worse impact on the image of the enterprise if he decided to attend", Tatsuya Mizuno, President of Mizuno Credit Advisory note.

But the United States remain the most profitable market for Japanese brand, number two of the local market. And this is precisely the tempers. To date, 34 fatal accidents have been caused by uncontrolled acceleration on models of the Group since 2000 and would be the subject of complaints to the authorities. For new Prius defective brake, they would already be complainants 1.120. Actions in partnership, they are legion since late last week, there were no less than 44. The Court of San Diego (California) may decide, end of March, to merge the different procedures in different States. To date, these "class actions" would represent a total amount of compensation of $ 3.6 billion.