The market for Toyota cars in North America is expected to recover in March, according to the head of the company, Akio Toyoda.

Mr Toyoda has told reporters that the sharp decline last month, due to car recalls, should swing back into line, as long as local staff work hard on sales.

He said he had reported to Prime Minister Hatoyama in Japan about his testimony at a US congressional hearing about the safety issues with the car, as well as his visit to China to address the public.

Toyoda also met with Japanese Transport Minister Seiji Maehara, who said he was arranging a US visit in May to meet with his American counterpart, Transport Secretary Ray LaHood to discuss the Toyota crisis.

Toyota's sales in the United States, its biggest market, dropped almost 9 percent in February after a recall of some 8.5 million Toyota vehicles damaged the international reputation of the Japanese company.