PriusRecall

Toyota plans to rev up its vehicle production in the U.S., despite November's 7.3% drop in U.S. sales. The automaker has hired the first of an expected 2,000 workers for a new Mississippi Corolla plant, and says it expects to boost overall capacity utilization significantly from last year's weak levels.

Beleaguered Toyota recalls nearly a half-million Prius and other hybrid models worldwide, adding another ding to its tarnished reputation. The company also promises U.S. consumers that it will enlist a "blue ribbon safety advisory group" to review its quality control operations.