Toyota, reeling from car safety woes that have sullied its global reputation, will this

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week announce the recall of 300,000 of its flagship Prius hybrid because of brake flaws, newspapers reported today.

The move by the Japanese auto giant will affect the latest model of the Prius, a car beloved of Hollywood stars and environmentalists, following scores of complaints about malfunctioning brake systems.

The Prius problems have dealt a new blow to Toyota, which has already had to recall around eight million cars around the world because of sticky accelerator pedals.

The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper said the Prius recall, to repair a software programme for the anti-lock braking system designed to prevent skidding, is expected to affect some 270,000 vehicles in Japan and the United States alone.

"The company has notified its dealers in Japan that it would recall all the (new model Prius) vehicles sold in the country," the mass-circulation paper said, without giving a source.

"The company will also repair the software free of charge in the United States and other countries in a similar manner," Yomiuri said, adding that the company would make an official announcement this week.

The Nikkei business daily said Toyota would also repair about 30,000 vehicles sold in Europe, China, Australia, Middle East and other areas.