TOKYO — Toyota has turned down an award from the Japanese government for the 2010 Prius. Citing this week's antilock brake system recall on the Prius, the automaker said it would not be appropriate to receive the kudos, a grand prize for energy efficiency and ecological quality that is given annually by Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Toyota spokesman Paul Nolasco, quoted by the Associated Press today, said the company "declined to accept the award, because we thought it is not appropriate." Toyota reportedly told the government on Monday it would decline. The company has known since January that the Prius had been named to the honor, and the award ceremony was to take place on Wednesday.

The award was part of Japan's Month of Energy Conservation. The Prius was one of three products to be offered the distinction this year; the others were a Mitsubishi Electric air-conditioner and a Fuji Xerox copier.

Meanwhile, U.S. syndicated TV program Motor Week said Thursday that it is giving its Best of the Year award to the 2010 Toyota Prius and also naming it Best Eco-Friendly vehicle of the year. Executive Producer John Davis said, "If you can only buy one car for your family, the 2010 Prius is the one." No word on whether Toyota will accept or decline these new honors, which the automaker announced on its media Web site.

Toyota announced a recall on Monday that includes some 133,000 2010 Prius vehicles, to fix a software glitch in the antilock brake system on the hybrid. The other vehicle involved in the recall is the mechanically similar 2010 Lexus HS 250h, of which 14,500 are being recalled.

Inside Line says: Becoming modesty in the gesture, even though it doesn't do anything to reassure Toyota customers. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent