Toyota checking 2010 Prius brakes; mum on recall
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   TORRANCE, Calif. (AP) -- Toyota USA says it is evaluating brake problems with the 2010 Prius gas-electric hybrid, but no decision has been made about a recall.
   Company spokesman Brian Lyons says it's too soon to talk about a recall. He says the automaker is cooperating fully with a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration probe into the brake troubles.
   The government is investigating reports that antilock brakes can fail momentarily on some 2010 Prius models in slippery conditions or on rough roads.
   The company says it made a change in the 2010 braking system last month to correct cars in production. The company has not made a decision about cars on the road.
   The U.S. government says it has received 124 reports from consumers about the Prius brakes, including four reports of crashes.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Posted 3:18pm on February  4, 2010

Toyota Recall-LaHood

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says Toyota was slow to realize safety problems with its gas pedals that has led to the recall of millions of popular Toyota brands.

   LaHood tells The Associated Press that Toyota was "a little safety deaf" and that federal safety officials needed to "wake them up" to the seriousness of the pedal problems.

   LaHood says the Toyota case is one of most pressing safety issues he has faced as secretary.

   Toyota has recalled 2.3 million vehicles due to concerns over gas pedals that can stick when drivers step on the gas. That's in addition to millions more the company has recalled over problems with pedals catching on floor mats.

   The company says it is sending parts for a fix to dealers.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Posted 12:59pm on February  2, 2010

Salami recall linked to 3 sickened in Colorado

DENVER (AP) -- Colorado health officials say three illnesses inColorado have been linked to sausage products recalled by a RhodeIsland company following a salmonella outbreak.

DanieleInternational Inc. on Saturday recalled more than 1.2 million pounds ofsausage and pepper products, including pepper-coated salami, amid anoutbreak that's sickened 184 people in 38 states since July.

Colorado health officials said Tuesday that three people in Colorado who were sickened have recovered.

Therecalled products have labels that have the establishment number "EST.9992" or "EST. 54" written inside the U.S. Department of Agriculturemark of inspection. Health officials say those products should bediscarded or returned for refunds.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Posted 2:59pm on January 27, 2010

NY Attorney General calls Internet discount clubs 'deceptive'

NEW YORK (AP) -- New York's attorney general is investigating more than 20 online retailers over ties to three businesses accused of tricking consumers into paying hidden fees.
   Affinion, Vertrue and Webloyalty have been the subject of thousands of complaints, lawsuits in several states and a U.S. Senate investigation.
   Many consumers say they were unwittingly enrolled in "discount clubs" while buying things like flowers and movie tickets. Many learned they were club members only when monthly fees turned up on their credit cards.
   Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday his office has subpoenaed several retailers seeking information about their ties to the clubs. They include Barnes & Noble, Staples and Ticketmaster.
   Affinion, Vertrue and Webloyalty say their practices are legal but have promised changes.

   (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
Posted 2:26pm on January 27, 2010

Toyota halts sales of 8 recalled vehicle models

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Toyota is suspending U.S. sales of eight recalled vehicle models to fix accelerator pedals that stick.
   As part of the plan, Toyota is halting production at five manufacturing facilities for the week of Feb. 1 "to assess and coordinate activities."
   There are 2.3 million vehicles involved in the recall, which was announced last week.
   The Japanese automaker says the sales suspension includes the 2009-2010 RAV4, the 2009-2010 Corolla, the 2009-2010 Matrix, the 2005-2010 Avalon, the 2007-2010 Camry, the 2010 Highlander, the 2007-2010 Tundra and the 2008-2010 Sequoia.
   The recall came months after Toyota recalled 4.2 million vehicles due to gas pedals that could become trapped under floor mats, causing the vehicle to accelerate.

   (Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)
Posted 2:18pm on January 27, 2010