Sustaining the top slot in the auto making industry had never been easy with Toyota Motors; but they are up to the challenge says Akio Toyoda, President of the Japanese manufacturer. For years, their models, including the hybrids like Prius and Lexus HS250h, are always voted and awarded in the Most Reliable classes by the most prestigious award giving bodies in the industry. Among these are the survey-based J.D. Powers.

Then again, it is unbelievable but true; Prius and Lexus HS250h are among the 437,000 Toyota cars to be recalled this year. This is happening not only in Japan but in Europe and United States of America. The reason: these models have acceleration problems which were noticed as early as 2003. The concern has been raised to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This agency is also looking into a negligence possibility of the government.