NORWICH – Most people would never connect the Pontiac Vibe with Toyota’s record recall of cars and trucks. But the truth is, the sporty little hatchback has more than a little in common with the Toyota Matrix, one of eight models recalled by the Japanese automotive giant.

Both the Vibe and the Matrix were manufactured at the New United Motor Manufacturing (NUMMI) plant in Fremont, Calif., which was operated until last June as a joint venture between GM and Toyota.

Although branded differently, the two vehicles are veritable twins. Which is why Toyota has included 99,293 Vibes from model years 2009 and 2010 in their recall of 5.6 million cars for two separate accelerator issues.

According to Trip deCordova of the Benedict Corporation, whose dealership was Chenango County’s Pontiac dealer until GM pulled the plug on the brand last year, GM has yet to officially issue a recall of its own at this point, although he believes one will be forthcoming.

“There have been no problem with any Vibes to date,” reported deCordova, “They are going to do it as a safety precaution.”