Toyota says U.S. business still severe

TOKYO (Reuters) - A top Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T) executive said on Thursday its U.S. operations remain difficult, adding that the automaker must reduce fixed costs further to battle a strong yen that is making exports unprofitable.

"The overall business in the United States for us is still very severe," Executive Vice President Yukitoshi Funo told reporters.

Funo said separately that Toyota expected to reach a conclusion soon regarding its discussions with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Authority over a problem with floormats in some of its cars that led to a recall of more than 3 million vehicles.

(Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim)