200,000 Toyotas recalled in UK

Toyota has recalled up to 1.8 million cars throughout Europe, including 200,000 in Britain, which may have accelerator problems.

The Japanese maker said the recall affected eight models – the AYGO, iQ, Yaris, Auris, Corolla, Verso, Avensis and RAV4 – manufactured after February 2005. The problem does not affect its Lexus vehicles. On Thursday, Toyota recalled 1.1 million cars in the US a day after suspending sales of eight popular models.

It then widened the recall to Europe and China. Last week, it recalled 2.3 million US cars with faulty pedals. "We understand the current situation is creating concerns and we deeply regret it," said Tadashi Arashima, chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe. Only a few incidents involving accelerator pedals have been reported in Europe.