‘This is a big issue, luck pulls back otherwise, we want more accidents.’
The first electric car (EV) produced by 2 Japanese automotive giants, Toyota Motor Corp and Subaru Corp in the global market had to be recalled due to the risk of loose tires.
Sources from Japanese safety regulators stated that the EV experienced screw loosening when making sharp turns and sudden braking, which could lead to the risk of the wheels coming out of the vehicle.
As soon as the withdrawal announcement was made, the shares of both companies experienced a significant decline.
Subaru shares were seen down 5% while Toyota shares were down 1.6%.
It is understood that a total of 2,700 units of Toyota -produced bZ4X SUVs had to be recalled after 2 months of launch to the global market, where Europe received 2,200 units, the United States (US) 260 units, Canada 10 units and 110 units in the Japanese market.
It indirectly undermines the company’s previous plans to compete with EVs produced by giant Tesla Inc.
However, a Toyota spokesperson stressed that not all models will be recalled.
On Subaru's side, sources said that as many as 2,600 Solterra units in the global market had to be recalled.
For the record, Toyota owns a 20% stake in Subaru and the recalled EV is a joint venture model between the two companies.
Meanwhile, this is not the first time Toyota has experienced problems with its production vehicles.
Previously, the Toyota Turquoise hybrid model, which has become a favorite of environmentalists, was criticized for lobbying the vehicle as carbon neutral even though it is still fully powered by gasoline.
Please be informed that gasoline -powered hybrid vehicles are still popular in Japan compared to fully EVs.
