Toyota cast doubt on runaway Prius claim

Toyota has cast doubt on an American man's claim that his Prius sped out of control reaching 94mph.

The car-maker said his report was inconsistent with the findings of the company's preliminary investigation.

Toyota said the accelerator pedal was tested and found to be working normally and a backup safety system worked properly.

It said the front brakes showed severe wear and damage from overheating but the rear brakes and handbrake were in good condition.

James Sikes says his car raced to 94mph on a motorway near San Diego last week. The incident on March 8 ended when Sikes stopped the car with the help from a California Highway Patrol officer.

Earlier, federal regulators said they were reviewing data from the gas-electric hybrid but so far had not found anything to explain the out-of-control acceleration reported by Sikes.