Toyota’s under-fire president will today reveal more about the company's massive global recall following criticism for being largely invisible during the crisis.

Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda — who may appear before US Congressional hearings later this month — will give updates on the global recall of some 400,000 Prius gas-electric hybrids at a Tokyo news conference, the company said.

Toyota has recalled 8.5m vehicles worldwide during the past four months because of problems with accelerator pedals, floor mats and brakes, threatening the safety and quality reputation of the world's number one car maker.

Complaints of deaths connected to sudden acceleration in Toyota vehicles have surged in recent weeks, with the alleged death toll reaching 34 since 2000, according to new consumer data gathered by the US government.

Complaints to a database maintained by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about the popular Prius grew by nearly 1,000 in just over a week.

Calls have been growing for Mr Toyoda to answer questions from US politicians. He said he planned to go to the US, mainly to talk to American workers and dealers.

Mr Toyoda has apologised for the recalls and promised to be more responsive to customers.