Toyota to deal with Prius braking problems

Changing gears now and Toyota is preparing to unveil plans to deal with braking problems in its Prius model.

The woes of the Japanese carmaker's prized hybrid energy car come amid a massive global recall of 7 million vehicles.

The Prius is the world's top-selling petrol-electric hybrid. But Prius drivers in Japan and the US have complained of a short delay before brakes kick in. The company has told dealers in the US that it is preparing to repair the brakes on thousands of Prius vehicles.

It is unclear whether Toyota plans a formal recall in the US. Earlier, media reports said Toyota approved on Saturday a recall in Japan of the Prius model, and it will announce the move in the coming days after consulting with the Japanese government.

A Toyota Prius vehicle is pictured parked at a dealership in Crissier near Lausanne February 7, 2010.REUTERS/Valentin Flauraud