Operation "GM And Ford Bottom Line" Expands

Three more Japanese firms recall half a million cars

"Nissan, Suzuki and Daihatsu have issued significant vehicle recalls because of problems with their electronics — the area that some believe to be the unresolved fault with Toyota cars.
Industry insiders said that the trio of carmakers was responding to both public and behind-the-scenes pressure from within the Japanese Government to make the image of Japan Inc “squeaky clean” in the wake of the Toyota crisis.
A total of more than half a million vehicles have been affected by the three recalls, which apply mainly to cars and vans that have been on the road for some years. Significantly, the recalls have been issued to deal with minor problems that have caused no injuries — but after Toyota, Japan is taking no chances.
The new atmosphere of fear was intensified by a warning to Toyota from Yukio Hatoyama, the Japanese Prime Minister. After the grilling of Toyota’s top executives by American legislators, Mr Hatoyama said that while it was good for the Toyota president to appear in person at a congressional hearing “I don’t think this has put an end [to the issue”.

Japan Rethinks US Relationship

Watch your step, says the US