Car manufacturer Toyota has received yet another disastrous body blow to its international representation after a recent model Prius was halted by the US highway patrol after it was found to be accelerating out of control. The issue is a continuation of the massive problems with braking and accelerating that have plagued the brand image of the Japanese car maker.

The drama occurred on the Interstate 8 freeway near San Diego, where Californian police officers were contacted by the 61-year-old driver, James Sikes, who used his mobile to ring the Highway Patrol as his 2008 Prius accelerated out of control. The ordeal lasted around 20 minutes during which time the car reached speeds of around 150 kilometres (95 miles) per hour.

Under orders from the Highway Patrol, who has pulled up alongside Sikes during his adventure, the driver pulled up on the car’s handbrake while pressing the foot brake at the same time. He was also directed to drive up a hill where he was able to turn off the engine as the car slowed down.

Toyota has so far recalled some 8 million of the Prius models, mainly due to accelerator pedal faults. In February, the manufacturer issued a voluntary recall of the 2010 model Prius owing to concerns over anti-lock brakes. An earlier recall was made in November of last year, which was for floor mat problems. Sikes car was on this list, but not the most recent one, leading his local Toyota dealer to assure him that the most recent recall did not include his model. He has vowed to return to this office.