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Consumer Reports calls on Toyota to recall older Camry Hybrid models

Consumer Reports is calling on Toyota to issue an official recall of 178,000 Camry Hybrid sedans from model years 2007 to 2011, claiming that a pair of issues affecting the brakes are so dire they demand a more official action than what the company has undertaken so far.
The first issue, as CR tells it, relates to a clog in the brake-fluid reservoir filter, which if left untreated could lead to a number of dashboard warning lights. The "front brake assist could be temporarily lost," too, according to Toyota's own notice to dealers and owners of affected models. The company has issued a "service campaign" that will fit a new brake-fluid reservoir free of charge to any affected model brought to a dealer by June 30, 2017.
The other issue plaguing the fuel-sipping Camrys is being treated via a warranty extension, and focuses on the ABS brake actuator, a particularly expensive (both in terms of parts, at $1,000, and labor, around $3,000) item that is necessary for the anti-lock braking to function. There's also a related issue with the brake pedal's "stroke sensor," which like the actuator can lead to a very difficult-to-depress brake pedal. The warranty extension increases the coverage of the actuator to 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Toyota builds its 500,000th Corolla in Mississippi

Toyota assembles the Corolla at plants around the world: from Brazil and South Africa to Turkey, Pakistan, China, Taiwan and Thailand. But the one we get here is built in Mississippi, and that location has just finished its 500,000th Corolla. The plant in Blue Springs, MS, is just one of a half-dozen assembly plants Toyota operates in the United States, but reached the half-million mark faster than any of the others. It began production late in 2011 and took over Corolla assembly from the NUMMI plant in California previously operated via joint venture with General Motors and now occupied by Tesla. Last year, the 2,000 workers at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi built 180,000 Corollas, contributing to the 10 million units of the model Toyota has sold in America since it was introduced here in 1968 and the 21 million vehicles Toyota has made in America over the years. 500,000th Corolla Speeds Off the Line at Toyota Mississippi Blue Springs plant celebrates milestone achieved at record pace BLUE SPRINGS, MISS. (Feb. 12, 2015) – Toyota Mississippi is celebrating the 500,000th Corolla coming off the line at the Blue Springs, Miss., production facility. The production accomplishment was achieved faster than any other Toyota plant in the U.S. – a testament to the 2,000 hardworking team members who have answered increasing consumer demand since the plant opened in 2011. "The 500,000th Corolla vehicle is a milestone we're excited to be celebrating," said Fred Volf, Toyota Mississippi, vice president of manufacturing. "We are proud to produce the Corolla, and it wouldn't have been accomplished without the 2,000 dedicated team members who support this operation." The milestone is one more to add to the long list of achievements for Toyota Mississippi and the Corolla. Toyota has sold more than 10 million Corollas in the U.S. and 40 million worldwide since the vehicle debuted here in 1968. The success of Corolla contributes to Toyota's accomplished domestic manufacturing footprint and represents Toyota's commitment to producing vehicles where they are sold. Since 1986, more than 21 million Toyota vehicles have rolled off the line in the U.S. and including dealers and suppliers, Toyota has generated 365,000 U.S. jobs. Toyota's local presence is felt by those in Northeast Mississippi through substantial economic investment, employment, philanthropic efforts and environmental responsibility.

US-built Corollas will soon be exported to Latin America, Caribbean

Toyota has announced plans to export the American-made Corolla south, to 18 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean by 2014. The move follows statements made to The Wall Street Journal by Toyota's South American leader, Steve St. Angelo, that spoke to Toyota's resolve in emerging American markets.
Toyota is expected to begin export production in April, with initial production of 7,500 Corollas in the first year, courtesy of its Tupelo, Mississippi assembly plant. Years of unpredictable swings in the value of the Japanese yen has seen Toyota push its manufacturing operations in other countries, particularly the US, where its builds ten different models.
Scroll down to read the full press release from Toyota.