Honda

Honda has announced it recalling another 4.8 million cars to replace potentially fatal air bags.

The global recall comes a day after Toyota Motor Corp and Nissan Motor Co announced they were recalling 6.5 million vehicles worldwide.

All three firms used airbags by Japanese company Takata Corp, which investigations showed were not properly sealed and could be damaged by moisture.

The airbags can erupt with too much force, spraying shrapnel inside the car.

Six deaths have so far been linked to the defective air bags, all on cars made by Honda.

Today's recall brings Honda's total number of recalls to 19.6 million vehicles.

More: Tens of thousands of Japanese cars recalled over 'faulty' airbags

Unite described the expected loss of 340 jobs at a Honda plant in Swindon as "a devastating blow" and said that the fact people do not "have the cash to spend" should cause the Government serious concern.

Read: 340 jobs under threat at Swindon Honda factory

Honda is to cut production at its Swindon factory from three shifts to two, threatening 340 jobs, the company said today.

Nissan has confirmed it will be contacting British car owners within a month to tell them their vehicles must be recalled over a fault with their airbags.

Honda issued a similar statement, confirming it would be contacting affecting vehicle owners.

Toyota, which is set to recall 76,000 cars in the UK, has not issued a statement on its protocol, but confirmed the airbag issue potentially affects the following models: Toyota Corolla, Yaris, Avensis, Avensis Verso, Picnic, Camry and Lexus SC430.

Almost 60,000 Nissan cars are being recalled due to a problem with the vehicles' airbag.

The models involved, and built between 2000 and 2004, are:

• X-Trail
• Patrol
• Almera
• Almera Tino
• Terrano II
• Navarra

The only model involved which was built at the plant in Sunderland is the Almera model, affecting cars built between 2001 and 2003.

People who believe their car may be affected by a recall from four Japanese motor firms, are being urged to get in contact with the manufacturer.

Nissan advised UK customers to contact garages where the cars were bought or call 01923 899334.

They say global car giants are usually quick to recall vehicles for inspection and repair as soon as they are aware of a fault.

These are likely to be minor and rarely linked to accidents or fatalities.

A total of 1,913 Mazda 6 models bought in the UK between 2002 and 2003 will also be called back following the discovery of faulty Japanese-manufactured airbags.