Chang-Ran Kim

Toyota has agreed to pay the maximum fine of $32,4-million related to two US probes into its handling of a spate vehicle recalls.

Toyota said earnings were boosted by strong profits at its finance division and warned it was anticipating a tough second half for sales.

Honda said it would recall another 440 000 cars around the world for faulty airbags as rival Toyota faced probes over its largest safety crisis.

Companies in Japan are looking to cultivate a market that beats even hybrid cars in green credentials: electric bicycles.

Investors breathed a sigh of relief on Friday after the results of stress tests on United States banks revealed no nasty surprises.