Toyota Motor has been forced to recall some of its first mass-produced electric vehicle (EV) models, in a blow to the company’s energy transition strategy.
The company said on Thursday that 112 of its bZ4X electric sport utility vehicles would be recalled to replace a wheel hub bolt.
“The hub bolt may loosen due to repeated sharp turns and sudden braking,” Toyota said in a Japanese-language recall notice. “Therefore, if you continue to drive in that state, abnormal noise will be generated, and in the worst case, the tyres may fall off.”
Toyota said drivers should stop using the vehicle. “[We] will implement permanent measures as soon as the measures are decided.”
Toyota on Wednesday cut its July global production plan by 50,000 vehicles as semiconductor shortages and Covid-19 parts supply disruptions continued to curb output.
The world’s largest car maker by volume expects to make 800,000 vehicles next month, it said in a statement.
The carmaker also expanded production halts in Japan next month at plants that make vehicles, including its GR Yaris subcompact and the bZ4X.
• George Russell, with Reuters
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