VIDEO: Toyota GB boss wants to rebuild trust with customers

Toyota GB commercial director Jon Williams has addressed the UK over its recall problems in a Youtube video on Toyota’s UK blog.

Toyota’s reputation and unique selling point rests on the fact its models have a high-build quality and approximately 1.8 million vehicles across Europe have to be returned to dealerships as a result of problems with the accelerator pedal.

The Japanese brand's sales were down by 12.4% in the UK in January but the pedal recall would have happened too late in the month to have had a substantial effect.

Toyota dealers are likely to face a tough couple of months ahead as the UK's national press highlights the recall to consumers each day.

The repairs to rectify the recall will take 30 minutes and will be carried out free of charge. Toyota is working with dealers to negotiate extended opening hours to deal with the 180,000 vehicles which are to be recalled in the UK.

Williams said: "There’s nothing more important to us than safety. I drive a Toyota, my family and friends drive Toyotas and I wouldn’t allow my loved ones to drive our cars if I didn’t believe they were safe.

“At Toyota we have built our reputation on quality, durability, reliability and most importantly trust. We want to rebuild that trust will our customers by working through this issue.”

The following advice is being given to drivers:

In the event that a driver experiences an accelerator pedal that sticks in a partial open throttle position or returns slowly to idle position, the vehicle can be controlled with firm and steady application of the brakes.

The brakes should not be pumped repeatedly because it could deplete vacuum assist, requiring stronger brake pedal pressure.

The vehicle should be driven to the nearest safe location, the engine shut off and a Toyota retailer or road-side assistance should be contacted.

Toyota says it doesn't know of any accidents caused by the problem.

The recall of eight Toyota models in Europe was announced on January 28. The involved models in the UK include: