Work started on the mass recall in January, and the Japanese manufacturer has since inspected one million Auris, Avensis, Aygo, Yaris and Prius models.

With two-thirds of the total now processed, Toyota is optimistic that it will rectify the problem in over 1.5 million of the affected vehicles, but admits it will not be able to fix the lot as some people have not responded to the recall notices.

A spokesman for the company explained: "In the UK… we expect completion will reach around 95 per cent, even though we have sent three letters to each customer," the car news provider adds.

The problems faced by Toyota this year have lead to a decrease in the company’s market share, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

All of the manufacturer’s new models will be fitted with a pollen filter, which will provide some relief for the nation’s sufferers, estimated to number between eight and ten million.

The high-quality filter is designed to keep the interior of the car free from the pollen which triggers the irritation, and which is prominent at this time of year, known as the hay fever season.

"The filters we fit to clean the passenger compartment air also remove the particles that cause allergies. A ride in a car can actually make breathing easier for many sufferers when the problem becomes acute," says Andreas Andersson, manager of allergy-optimised car interiors at Volvo Cars.

Characterised by sneezing and itchy eyes, hay fever is brought on by airborne pollen released by trees, grass and plants, the season runs through spring and summer.

Published yesterday (April 28th) by the European Commission in Brussels, the document outlines the key framework conditions for a viable transition to sustainable mobility in the EU.

Ivan Hodac, secretary general of ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association, said: "We support the Commission in its goal to facilitate a rapid deployment of clean and energy efficient vehicles by embedding the innovative force of the European automobile industry in a smart police framework."

Manufacturers are increasingly looking to electric-powered and hybrid cars to cater to the eco-market, which has been boosted by government incentives and tax breaks for the owners of such vehicles.

Figures from Clean Green Cars revealed Toyota as the most environmentally-friendly car manufacturers, emitting significantly less than the target figure set by the EU.

Graham Smith, managing director of Toyota Motor Europe, made the claim during a speech at the International Automotive Committee yesterday (April 21st), reports TheGreenCarWebsite.co.uk.

He suggested that plug-in hybrids will provide the perfect solution while the market awaits the arrival of hydrogen-powered fuel cell vehicles.

While many other manufacturers continue to channel their efforts into producing fully electric cars, Toyota aims to provide a hybrid version of every model in its range within ten years, Mr Smith added.

The car manufacturer’s popular Prius model has sold well around the world, which appears to have strengthened the company’s resolve to focus on hybrid vehicles.

Recent figures from Clean Green Cars revealed Toyota’s range of cars were some of the most eco-friendly on the market.

Surpassing the target figure of 130g/km, set by the European Union, Toyota’s mean average across its model range was 124.55g/km.

The Japanese carmaker fared well in the list, compiled by the independent automotive analysts, based on average CO2 emissions across the first quarter of 2010.

Surpassing the target figure of 130g/km, set by the European Union, Toyota’s mean average across its model range was 124.55g/km.

But there was huge disparity between its best and worst performing models. While its eco-friendly Prius registered 91.26g/km, the Landcruiser model was found to emit an average of 223.77g/km.

With an average of 393.2g/km, the Bentley Continental GT was the worst offender for emissions, followed by Land Rover’s Range Rover model, which recorded figures of 305.51k/gm.

The list also compares this year’s first-quarter performances with those of the final quarter of 2009, and the Mercedes CLS showed the highest increase in emissions, going up by 17.83 per cent.

But the Lexus RX showed a 25.17 per cent improvement, reducing its emissions from 197.85k/gm to 148.05k/gm.

The firm has halted sales of the Lexus after a Consumer Reports magazine article exposed a "safety risk" surrounding the car’s handling in sharp turns.

Production will be on hold for nine working days starting Friday (April 16th), according to a spokeswoman for the car manufacturer, the new provider reports.

Initially, the company suspended sales in the United States but that has now been extended to the Middle East and Russia.

The unusual move reflects Toyota Motor’s resolve to maintain its reputation, which has taken a knock lately after a string of issues with some of its models.

Earlier this year, it recalled eight million cars worldwide due to technical faults, with 190,000 UK motorists affected.

However, the manufacturer’s Prius model achieved record sales in February of this year.

The RAC Foundation announced that mandatory retesting for elderly motorists would be hard to enforce, and it would also impact negatively on pensioners.

Importantly, the motoring organisation found that over-70s are among the safest drivers on the road. Over 53 per cent of them hold a driving licence, and 63 per cent of all trips that they make are in a car, either as the driver or a passenger.

Professor Stephen Glaister, the RAC Foundation’s director, said: "We are unlikely to see retesting at 70 because, despite the myths, older drivers are no less safe than other age groups."

Figures from the Department for Transport released in February found that the total number of casualties on the UK’s roads fell by five per cent in the first nine months of 2009.

By the end of February, 324,991 of all new cars registered had been through the government-funded initiative, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Chief executive of the SMMT, Paul Everitt, said the scheme had provided "vital stimulus during a difficult period".

The scheme was introduced by the government after the Budget last year to boost the car industry on a short-term basis.

Funding for the initiative, which gives buyers a £2,000 discount off their new car, is set to stop at the end of this month.

Not only has the scheme helped new car sales but it has also reduced carbon emissions too.

New cars registered through scrappage produced an average CO2 value of 132.7g/km.

This figure is 9.9 per cent lower than the average emissions of cars registered between May 2009 and February 2010, which was calculated to be 147.3g/km.

India’s largest automotive manufacturer, which owns brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, saw its stock fall almost six per cent in the wake of the sale.

Daimler, the German premium car maker, confirmed the sale, which ended the partnership of the two manufacturers that began in 1954.

Over the past year, share prices in Tata Motors have risen, netting Daimler around €300 million (£272 million) for its stake.

The two companies have turned into competitors over the past couple of years, with Daimler building trucks, which is Tata’s speciality, as the company is the fourth largest truck manufacturer in the world, and premium Jaguar Land Rover products competing with Daimler’s cars.

Daimler is currently building a production plant in Chennai in south-east India to manufacture its trucks.

The manufacturer did not deem its equity participation in Tata to be "necessary" any longer, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The new models have been given facelifts with new engines, a fresh look and a host of technical refinements.

Prices start from just £9.330 on-road for the Fabia supermini and from £11,260 for the Roomster MPV.

Both models have a more dynamic new look thanks to their redesigned radiator grille and 3D-shaped headlights.

The new range of engines, with a choice from four petrol and two diesels, have direct fuel injection and many also feature turbocharging technology.

These new technologies have greatly reduced the carbon emissions from the two models as well as making them more fuel efficient.

All engines available in the two new models comply with EU5 emission standards.

Both of the 1.6 litre CR TDI engine units emit less than 110g/km of CO2, which is below the European Union (EU) target levels.

By 2012, the EU hopes to meet target emissions levels of 120g/km for all new cars on the road.