Archive for the 'features' Category

Carrefour revives positive accounts. In late June, the retailer announced that it achieved a profit of 67 million euros. Last year at the same time, the result was in the red to the tune of 48 million.

Good performance on the Paris Bourse

For Natixis, these results are no surprise. Same thing for CM-CIC said in his note published Tuesday that operating profit is consistent with the guidance provided in mid-July. Finally, analysts of U.S. bank Citigroup raised their recommendation on the title of French retail group Carrefour to "buy" cons "hold" before.So, Carrefour shares, which are the only ACC 40 to move in the green, gaining 1.07% to 36.49 euros in a market down 1.14%.

Operating income before non-recurring items amounted to 1.096 billion euros, up 7.6%, SPECIFYas release, is better than the expectations of analysts who had forecast a rise of 4% at 1, 05 billion euros.

Carrefour has confirmed its objectives for 2010, aiming an operating profit before non-recurring items of around 3.1 billion euros.Crossroads show in a still difficult solid growth in sales and operating profit before non-recurring items and we are on track to achieve the objectives set as part of our transformation plan, "said Chief Financial Officer Group Pierre Bouchut, during a conference call.

Continuing trend in emerging

We're quite pleased with the sales in July, a little disappointed by sales cons of August, "said Pierre Bouchut yet."The trend in emerging markets remains strong." In the second quarter, Carrefour has benefited from the dynamism of emerging economies to reach a turnover exceeding expectations, nearly 25 billion euros, up 6.3% offsetting a contraction in sales in Europe, mainly France, Belgium, Spain and Italy, as well as in other countries of southern Europe such as Greece and Romania.

The group, which seeks to save 4.5 billion euros over three years to improve its margins, said he also cut costs by 236 million euros in the first half of the year, a target of 500 million for all 2010.

Asked about the Asian assets of the group, Pierre Bouchut has refused to comment on reports about a possible sale of assets Malaysian, Thai and Singaporean group."We do not comment on such rumors," has said the CFO. "Our goal is to build on certain markets and over time, without doubt, take the decision to abandon certain other markets."

According to several sources, Carrefour tries to sell its assets in Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore to focus its efforts on China and India. This could generate some 800 million euros in the French distributor. PTT, Thailand first group in the energy sector, has already expressed interest in taking over the assets in Thailand.

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Nothing like that to go talk with the best of the class to get some good ideas. On Tuesday, French Budget Minister Francois Baroin went to Berlin to meet Wolfgang Schäuble, the German finance minister, but Otto Fricke, a spokesman on budgetary matters of the FDP, the party with which the CDU and CSU have formed a coalition. Up for discussion: the prospects for public finances, the convergence of tax systems and the EU budget.

"A very good news for France"

To say that the budgetary comparison is not in favor of France. So that France should post a deficit in 2010 of 8% of GDP, Germany could be below the 4.5% forecast until now. The German public finances are benefiting from the strong economic recovery.For now, the government of Angela Merkel sticks to hard line: any additional revenue related to growth must not be redistributed as tax cuts, but must be used to reduce the deficit. "There is a consensus in German society about deficit reduction, welcomed Baroin.

One way to be disappointed that this is not the case in France, while the government has decided to be as strict on the surplus revenue? In any case, Baroin wished to emphasize that the dynamism of Germany "is also a very good news for France, because it is our first partner." But no question of imitating unrestrained economic model Germanic."We, we focused our policy on power purchase them on the productivity gains through wage moderation," said the Minister.

Despite their differences, both countries are working to converge their taxes. The site was launched in July by Nicolas Sarkozy, Wolfgang Schäuble when was attending a Council of Ministers in Paris. By late September, the Court of Auditors will issue a preliminary report on the subject. His conclusions will inspire action that will be incorporated when considering the draft budget law to Parliament.

Fight together against the tax leakage

Regarding the tax system, harmonization would be quite happy for the French since Germany has removed the ISF. "But we must see if it is relevant," temperate Baroin.Indeed, both governments are working primarily on other taxes: the ecological tax, VAT and corporation tax (IS). Paris and Berlin in particular want to fight together against the flight tax that allows the development of the Internet. The major manufacturing groups chose to localize their headquarters in a country of the Old Continent as low tax Ireland and arrange to channel all their European business.

In addition, French and German governments want to raise, at European level, the project to harmonize the basis of calculation of corporate tax (IS). Today, each country has different rules for determining taxable income, which confuses the issue.

Finally, Paris and Berlin will work hand in hand for the European budget does not slip.The Brussels Commission initially proposed that the budget of the European Union increased 4.9%. The European Council has succeeded in getting the increase is limited to 2.9%. To meet this objective, Baroin account in addition to the support of London.



"The goal at the end of 2013 is to reduce the number of 3950, which represents half of 8400 anticipated retirements over the period, plus a bonus of 250, responded to AFP chairman Michel Régereau (CFDT) this Thursday. But later in the day, the chairman of the board of directors of the National Health Insurance has refused to sign the project.

"There was a debate within the board and it appeared that the majority (of the 35 directors, ie) was negative (the text) but there was no vote" per se, explained to the AFP Carolina Ferrera, Director CGT.

It must be said that the pill is especially bitter for the staff unions of sickness, such as primary agents of funds or regional health insurance (CPAM, CRAM), have declined steadily for several years.

From 85,000 in 2003, they returned to 75,243 in 2009, according to the draft agreement on objectives and management (COG) which AFP has obtained a copy. Like all governments, the CNAM is subject to the rule of non-replacement of a staff of two. But already, Michel Régereau announced he would vote against.This could lead, if followed by his counsel on a "blocking" quite rare in the annals of Secur. "So far, the presidents of unions secu supported the compromise reached with the government and sought to obtain a majority," he said.

"Here, we can not"

According to Michel Régereau, the Fund had estimated it had saved 850 jobs, bringing the losses in 3350. But with nearly 4,000 positions eliminated, "then we can not.""Our network of primary funds is to be a challenge (…), it will be very hard for regional banks, they will retreat to their heart business, and our strategy to improve the efficiency of the health system will be lost, "he added.

For example, the Fund wishes to develop information to health professionals, improve the conditions of discharge from hospital for patients, and developing diabetes prevention, "he listed. "To develop these programs, we need means," he said.

Dilemma for unions

"It will be a catastrophe for both the personal to the insured, warned Caroline Ferreira, director CGT, considering the demands of the government" unacceptable. ""We are dealing with a government that is deaf" and "blindly applying the rule of RGPP," the General Review of public policy, "she accused.

Remains to be seen what the outcome of the vote of the board of directors, composed of 35 members (unions, employers, mutuality, qualified individuals, patients' associations, family associations and professions). If he had voted against the COG 2010-2013, "is the state that (would) hand to the application," said Carolyn Ferrera, and could possibly refer the matter to Parliament, according to Michel Régereau.

Dilemma for voting against unions because they would lose part of their role.

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Closing reassuring Wall Street yesterday gave a positive impetus for the Paris Stock Exchange on Tuesday. While Asian investors have been cautious, the CAC 40 chooses the path upward. The index advancing 0.91% to 4:20 p.m. at 3672 points.

The French markets are still worn by banking shares. Yesterday, the shares had already boosted the index, in response to the publication of results of stress tests on Friday. On Tuesday, they are top of the ACC: Credit Agricole takes 8.53% to 10.47 euros, BNP Paribas 5.71% at 53.91 euros, Societe Generale 8.06% to 43.21 euros and Dexia 7 02% to 3.86 euros.

Elsewhere in Europe, the increase also dominates. The London Stock Exchange ahead of 0.80% to 5394.10 points. The DAX index of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is gaining 0.49% to 6224.60 points.

Yesterday the key index in Paris managed to keep the threshold of 3600 points despite an early meeting very hesitant.Good numbers of U.S. homes have played an especially comforting to investors. And on Tuesday, rebelote: the Case-Shiller index of home prices meets the individual operators offering. It rose more than expected in May in the United States, +0.5%. The month of May and is the second consecutive monthly increase, a trend that comes after two months of consecutive decline.

But the Conference Board index, published in 16 hours, fell for the second straight month in July fell to its lowest level since February, to 50.4 in July against 54.3 (revised from 52.9) in JuneAn advertisement that has a little cooled investors.

After trading, the markets will see the unemployment figures for the month of June in France.

In addition, the Department of Ecology has announced that the number of starts of new homes in France fell 0.3% for the period April-May to June, compared to the same period a year ago, while the number of building permits recorded an increase of 25%.

On the foreign exchange market, the euro continues against the greenback. Around 1530, the euro was worth just under $ 1.30, but the threshold was crossed earlier.

Publication Burst

On Tuesday, the publications will be honored at the Paris Bourse:

Danone (-3.65% to 44.63 euros) announced before market opening a current net profit in the second quarter of 848 million euros and a turnover of 4.386 billion euros.The group raised its sales target of 2010 and provides a comparable increase of at least 6% against at least 5% previously.

Altran (7.46% to 3.24 euros) has reported a turnover of the second quarter 2010 from 357.6 million euros (+2.3%). The group expects a significant improvement in the margin in the second half of 2010.

The Land of the Regions (-0.12% to 72.85 euros) published a recurring net profit increased 1.1% to 153.4 million for its first half, with rents of 264.1 million , up 1.7% at constant perimeter and an occupancy rate of 94.4%.However, its net asset value, excluding financial instruments, stood at 73.20 euros per share, down from late 2009 due to the distribution of a special dividend for 2009, consisting of 3 30 euros in cash and six Beni Stabili shares, 52.5% owned subsidiary acquired in 2007

Note that M6 (-0.14%) will announce its interim results to 17 hours. Vinci (+0.29%) and Fleury Michon (stable) publish their turnover in the period after the stock market. Compagnie des Alpes (-0.72%) will announce its third quarter revenues.Meanwhile, Air France KLM (+0.69%) will release first quarter results are as LVMH (-1.26%) will release its first half results.

Sanofi repulsed Klepierre sanctioned

The U.S. biotechnology company Genzyme has rejected a buyout proposal made by Sanofi Aventis (-0.58% to 45.32 euros) according to Bloomberg.

Capgemini (-0.91% to 35.05 euros) has announced the signing of a 6-year contract between its subsidiary Capgemini UK and Royal Mail Group Limited (RMG), the British postal service, for its service management computer.

Klepierre (-4.56% to 24.67 euros), revised down slightly its 2010 targets of current cash flow and rents, the prospect of austerity plans in Europe have slowed the recovery of consumption.The land has produced a net current cash flow per share down 1.7% to 0.99 euro in the first half.

ICADE (0.56% to 73.47 euros) on Monday announced a net profit in the first half more than eight times while its net current cash flow per share, affected by the low profitability of its development division, declined 21%. Icade should propose a special dividend payment of at least four euros in the second half, tied to sales of homes.

April Group (-2.83% to 19.77 euros), saw the decline in sales accelerated to 12.9% in the first half.This is explained by the group with a focus on its brokerage business, which should result in a decrease of 25% of the insurance business in 2010.

Finally, Technicolor (2.96% to 4.18 euros) received a firm offer from the private equity fund Francisco Partners for the acquisition of the "broadcast professional" Grass Valley.



Caution has characterized the session Monday on U.S. markets. As we enter the ball of the first quarterly results, including Alcoa's after-hours trade, the U.S. markets have closed up slightly. The Dow Jones gained 0.18% to 10,216 points, the Nasdaq ahead by 0.09% to 2198 points and the S & P 500 rose 0.07% to 1079 points. Friday, Wall Street closed higher in very small volumes before the opening of the quarterly earnings season.

The euro under $ 1.26

On the foreign exchange market, the euro has further retreated from Monday to below $ 1.26, on a foreign exchange market characterized by a weaker yen due to the electoral defeat of the ruling party in Japan and Pending results of the first companies in the United States.In the eurozone, the key event of the week will be put on the market for Treasury bills Greek tomorrow, the first since the announcement of the bailout of the European Union and the IMF in May

The week will be rich in promises of economic indicators in North America. In addition to the cascade of results expected in the coming days, markets will look especially to the publication of the minutes of the last meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee of the Federal Reserve on Wednesday.They will look particularly at whether the Fed fears that the crisis of sovereign debt in Europe weigh on U.S. growth.

The ball starts quarterly results

In the absence of major macroeconomic publications on Monday, the market should focus on the first quarterly results announcements in the United States.

As always, the kick the ball in quarterly results, was given by the aluminum giant Alcoa (-0.64% to 10.87 dollars) on Monday after closing. Follow in the week the Google technology groups (2.35% to 478.48 dollars), AMD (2.89% to 7.55 dollars) or Intel (1.31% to 20.51 dollars), and JPMorganChase Bank (0.41% to 39.01 dollars) and Bank of America (-0.07% to 15.10 dollars).The figures will be scrutinized with JPMorgan special attention because many investors believe that it is the financial will signal a rebound in real markets.

BP blazes in London and New York

In addition, shares of BP, listed on the NYSE move up sharply to 4:20 p.m. amid speculation about possible asset sales of oil still struggling against the tide nore in the Gulf of Mexico. Like primary listing in London, where the title to earn 8.90% 397.25 pence, the action of BP climbed 5.64% to 35.97 dollars in the U.S. market increased from 0, 06%.



European markets should pause on Thursday after two sessions of sharp decline, which followed nine sessions of consecutive increase.

The CAC 40, which closed Wednesday were down 1.71% at 3641 points, due to start sitting up on Thursday, the CAC 40 index futures predicting a rise of 0.74%.

On Thursday morning, the euro is up 0.17% to 1.2333 dollars around 7:30 rating. The European currency resist despite lingering fears about the state of the economy of the Old Continent.

In an interview with Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Jean-Claude Trichet, ECB president, said it was unlikely that the risks of deflation to materialize in the euro area.

Employment on the radar screen

In France, INSEE unveil at 8:45 expenditure Household consumption of manufactured goods in MayAnd job center will provide 18 hours tonight the numbers of jobseekers registered.

In the euro area, new industrial orders in April will be known 11 hours.

In the U.S., at 14.30, the figures on durable goods orders in May are highly regarded, as usual. As the traditional weekly claims for unemployment benefits (same time).

Areva accrues $ 400 million more

The Group accrues 400 million euros more because of the further delay of the EPR. These delays have already cost the group 2.3 billion euros nuclear. And this new supply will cause the accounts into the red in the first half.

The Da Vinci company has signed an agreement for a proposed road tunnel in Vietnam, worth an estimated 600 million dollars.

Publicis Interpublic does not need to merge with Publicis, according to its CEO, Michael Roth.The fourth group in terms of global advertising revenues has been speculation about a possible merger with French group.

L'Oreal L'Oreal held yesterday, a presentation on New Markets, about their potential for growth, based on affordable innovations, development of new product categories and the acceleration of globalization. Natixis Securities appreciated and raised price target on the value of 92-97 euros.

The bank Societe Generale 4.9 billion calls to Jerome Kerviel. This sum is claimed as damages, the commitments of the former alleged fraudulent trader.

Vivendi, however, that without the word "relax" is heard, the prosecution did not request any penalty against former executives of Vivendi Universal.From the first day of the hearing, Jean-Marie Messier, former CEO, has expressed a mea culpa about its "excessive contact".

Casino New episode in the war of Nespresso. Nestle has obtained the high court in Paris to send bailiffs in Folliet and Vegeplast, the two suppliers to the manufacturer Casino pods compatible with Nespresso machines.

Air France-KLM 4,390 people have left the company without having been dismissed, by March 2013, according to an internal document quoted by La Tribune, on its website.

Compagnie des Alpes Compagnie des Alpes announced Thursday the launch of an increase in capital of approximately EUR 100 million with maintenance of preferential subscription rights.

The leisure group has also announced a refinancing of its debt in advance through long-term, secure the liquidity of the group for five years.He said in a position to make acquisitions.

Banks The president of the European Central Bank, Jean-Claude Trichet said in an interview published Thursday that the financial regulatory reforms are on track and that a number of important decisions are taken in November at the G20 summit.

TF1 elimination from the first round of the France squad will deprive TF1 more than ten million euros in revenue.

Oil drop

Crude prices have continued to drop Thursday (76.2 dollars) in electronic trading in Asia, driven by anxiety about U.S. demand, world's largest consumer.

The latest indicators of the U.S. Department of Energy showing an increase of two million barrels in crude stocks in the week concluded on June 18 have caused concern to investors, which projected a decline of one million barrels.The increase in crude inventories reported in effect a weakening demand.



The draft law reforming the consumer credit which was adopted in late April by the National Assembly must be considered in the Senate Monday on second reading. This text, which transposes into French law the European directive of 23 April 2008 aims to better encadrerla distribution of these credits, advertising and strengthens consumer information to avoid over-indebtedness. "This legislation, once passed, will provide a protective base for consumer credit," says Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde. guard, who hopes that the text be adopted as early as Monday, said her commitment to the Senate on a timetable for implementation "very accurate".

No less than 14 decrees and orders will be four needed for its implementation. Christine Lagarde, wants everyone to be published before the end of the year."I intend that all texts are published by the end of 2010 to ensure that all stakeholders are informed of the publication of texts and measures to implement," said the minister at a press conference. The entry into force of the texts will then be scheduled through May 2011.

Division on the register of credits

The minister promised to create, upon promulgation of the text, the Committee shall deliver foreshadowing, over the next 12 months, a report on the establishment of a national registry of credits, also called positive file. This file would identify all loans taken by the French and could be accessed for each request for new credit.Christine Lagarde has ensured that the committee was established following the enactment of the law shows that it is not "being in time to push for it (the positive file, ie) becomes the Arlesienne."

The principle of this file, however, continues to divide and most consumer groups will remain opposed, citing an infringement of individual liberties and the fear of use of information by credit institutions. .

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"It was excessive, it drop back, it will calm down," said Tuesday the Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde. Interviewed on France Culture, she has qualified the market reaction to the announcement of the European aid plan of 750 billion euros in the night from Sunday to Monday.

"The markets have been an excessive response, as sometimes yesterday (Monday, editor's note) with climbs as evidence had not seen for twenty years, and as it had never been seen in some countries," she analyzed. The CAC 40 gained more than 9% Monday and Wall Street recorded its biggest increase since the beginning of the year.

In fact, stock markets began the day falling on Tuesday. The CAC 40 index opened down 1.78% at 3655.2 points.Investors take profits after Monday's rebound.

About the decision of the European Central Bank to redeem debt securities of states, Christine Lagarde stressed the importance of the current crisis. "This is not orthodox in the functioning of the European Central Bank. But in exceptional circumstances, exceptional driving, "she said. "I'm not sure the ECB does so regularly."

Some commentators were surprised by the decision of the European Central Bank, putting into question its independence. The ECB had so far always refused to take such measures of buying assets.

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Energy: one week for the troubled oil

Gravitating around $ 85 last week, oil prices have slowed their rise this week. On the New York Mercantile Exchange, a barrel of light sweet crude for May delivery traded at 84.52 dollars on Monday against a peak of $ 87 on Tuesday of last week. "It comes back to earth, ironic one analyst.

This correction then explained by an increase in inventories of crude reserves in the United States for the tenth straight week. Oil prices continued their decline in the rest of the week despite the fact that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IEA) has again raised its forecast for global oil demand in 2010 of 2% compared to 2009.Investors have been cooled by the analysis of JP Morgan believed that the offer would remain significant because of high inventories of non-members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

A wake was held following the publication of positive quarterly results from Intel. The U.S. Agency for Energy Information (EIA) had also announced a surprise drop in crude inventories at 354 million. Since Wednesday, the price has recovered the $ 85. Friday, prices have stabilized around 85.69 dollars per barrel WTI.

Metals: copper, always leading

When China talks about his growth figures, the metals markets are rubbing their hands. Latest macroeconomic figures in Chinese date, the country grew 11.9% yoy in the first quarter. A new whetting the appetite of investors.Remember that China is about 8% growth in 2010.

In markets, copper continued its path toward the summit despite a small reflux (-0.47% over the last 5 days). Friday on the London Metal Exchange (LME), the ton is trading at a consistently high level of 7874 dollars. The goal of $ 8,000 is not far.

Aluminum is also up on the LME, with a gain of 4.30% over 5 days and a high of 2,423 dollars per tonne reached Thursday. A fine performance as the industry giant, the American Alcoa announced Monday that he remained in the red in the first quarter due to special charges related to restructuring. The group was divided into two loss over one year to 201 million dollars.

Nickel is also 8.70% on the week. Ton set a record Thursday at 26,685 dollars on the LME.

Precious Metals: Greece weighs on gold

Gold has had a week sawtooth.The gold shows a decrease of 0.62% over 5 days. Friday, traded 1153.80 dollars per ounce, in a market down by 0.52%. This weakening is due to the rise of the dollar against various currencies worldwide that drives investors to take profits. This weekend, the euro lost 0.3% to an average of 1.3535 dollars amid concerns about the ability of Greece to cope with its crisis. The country has announced its intention to use EU funds to cope with its debt. Gold therefore moves away again from the "peak" predicted by the consulting firm GFMS in its annual report 2010.

The money follows the same path as gold, down from 0.49% to 18.35 dollars per ounce on Friday.The metal still remains above the 18 dollars, a level reached the first time since January last week.

Palladium was trading Friday around $ 540 an ounce on the London Bullion Market (LBM). Prices dropped slightly over the weekend but that does not make the metal more than 6% in 5 days.

Agricultural products in the green

This week has been marked by rising prices for soybeans, corn and wheat on the Chicago futures market. A bushel of wheat climbed Thursday to $ 4.80, allowing a gain of 3.78% over 5 days. Corn was trading at 3.62 dollars per bushel (44.24% in 5 days), while soybeans traded 9.78 dollars per bushel (3.19% in 5 days).

The announcement of a 11.9% growth yoy in the first quarter, China has boosted the morale of investors who expect a steady increase in demand from countries considered major consumers. The news has mostly benefited the soybean: China buys alone 60% of U.S. exports, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).



If confirmed, this would be the heaviest fine ever imposed by the U.S. National Highway Safety Agency (NHTSA) to a manufacturer. This requires the Japanese Toyota fined 16.375 million dollars (12.191 million euros). A record amount justified, she said, by the slow reaction of the manufacturer's faults found and deliberately concealed its vehicles.

The U.S. government accuses him of hiding Toyota for "at least four months' issues of accelerators is jamming in the down position, and this" contempt of risk "led to drivers. According to the Minister of Transport Ray LaHood, the leaders of Toyota "did not take steps to protect millions of drivers and their families."

Toyota has two weeks to pay the fine or contest it.If he refuses to pay and can not agree with NHTSA, the matter will be referred to a court.

Procedural defects

The NHTSA had opened an investigation last February 16 to see if Toyota had been slow to reveal these problems, finds a first time Toyota has not notified within five days after discovery of problems, as the law The imposed.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT), the 70,000 pages of documents presented by Toyota have revealed that the manufacturer "knew his problems pedals are jamming on their own since at least September 29.It was at that date that Toyota "has launched repair procedures with its distributors from 31 European countries and Canada to address issues accelerator stuck, sudden increase and tachometer sudden acceleration of the vehicle, "says the report.

But the documents show that "Toyota knew that consumers in the United States suffered the same problems as those in Europe and Canada.Yet, September 29, the band announced the recall of 3.8 million vehicles in the U.S. claiming only the possibility that the accelerator pedal gets stuck in the floor mat and ignoring the problems of blocking pedals 'themselves in position.

It was not until January 21 that the manufacturer recalls 2.3 million vehicles in the U.S., reported first involuntary acceleration unconnected mats but the pedals are blocking themselves . In the end, Toyota has recalled more than 6 million vehicles in the U.S. on 9 million recalled in the world.Either the largest recall ever recorded by an automaker.

Organizational Change

In a statement, Toyota has defended: "We have already taken a significant number of measures to improve our communication with regulators and clients on security issues and strengthened our commitment to quality." This includes "the appointment of a new director of quality in North America and a greater role dedicated to regional leaders in the decision making process related to quality," says the manufacturer.

But the DOT has not said its last word. He announced as still investigating to determine if the manufacturer had "committed other offenses meriting further sanctions."

Reminders continue

Meanwhile, Toyota continues its recall campaign.The Japanese announced Tuesday its intention to recall 12,984 vehicles sold in South Korea because of mats may impede the accelerator pedal.

The three models involved are the Lexus ES350, Camry and Camry Hybrid. Motorists concerned will receive free repairs from April 19.

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