[May 21, 2010, Beijing] Toyota Motor (China) Investment Co., Ltd. has announced the recall of some imported Lexus LS460L/LS600hL vehicles as a result of a defect in the steering system. According to TMCI's calculations, 818 units in Mainland China will be involved in the recall process which will begin on June 21st, 2010. The production dates of the affected vehicles are as follows:

The Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) system on the vehicles involved in the recall possesses a fault in which the steering wheel becomes temporarily off-center when returned quickly from the full lock position. This may pose potential safety risks if the driver is unaware that the direction of the vehicle and the steering wheel are temporarily out of synch. In order to correct this issue, TMCI has determined to replace the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the VGRS at no charge.

Beginning on May 21st, 2010, TMCI will send notification letters directly to the specific customers whose cars are involved in the recall. TMCI is working diligently to ensure all required spare parts are ready by June 21st, 2010 to begin the repair process. At this time, TMCI and domestic Lexus dealerships will once again contact customers and ask them to bring their vehicles to a Lexus dealership for examination and repair free of charge.

Prior to undertaking the repair process, customers are advised to avoid centering the steering wheel too quickly when returning from the full lock position. If the steering wheel becomes temporarily off center as a result of this issue, customers are advised to pay special attention to the direction in which the car is moving and to avoid rapid acceleration.

Customers are free to contact Lexus dealerships directly or call the service hotline 800-810-2772 or 400-810-2772 for more information.