Some analysts believe Hyundai, Honda and Ford will be the biggest beneficiaries of Toyota's troubles.

Toyota says it is recalling about 437,000 Prius and other hybrid vehicles worldwide to fix brake problems.

Toyota New Zealand says it will recall all of its third-generation Prius cars, released last year, to improve brake pedal "feel".

Residents of Toyota say they were surprised by the safety problems that have led to a mass recall of Toyota vehicles.

Japanese media are still reporting on an imminent recall of the 2010 Toyota Prius, although the company has yet to register a recall with Japanese or American regulators.

Mercedes-Benz is adhering to a high-quality production process with the SLS AMG super-coupe.