Consumer Confidential: Old Spice guy returns to new campaign, Toyota returns to recalls

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Here’s your where’s-the-beef Wednesday roundup of consumer news from around the Web:

--I normally don’t get excited about new ad campaigns. But because so many people have commented on how much I resemble the guy in the Old Spice commercials, Isaiah Mustafa, I’ll note that Procter & Gamble says it’s gearing up for a new campaign featuring the towel-clad pitchman. A 30-second trailer will run online previewing the next installments in the series, which will debut on TV Feb. 7. Also, a yet-to-be-named ‘superfan’ will get to introduce the commercial on his or her Facebook page. Meanwhile, I’ll just have to go back to telling people I meet that I’m not the Old Spice guy.

--And Toyota will go back to telling people that it’s cars are actually really good, even though the company has announced yet another major recall. This time it’s for problems in the fuel systems of different models. The carmaker will recall about 245,000 cars in the United States from its upscale Lexus line to inspect a fuel pressure sensor. The vehicles include the 2006 through 2007 Lexus GS300/350, the 2006 through early 2009 Lexus IS250, and the 2006 through early 2008 Lexus IS350. Toyota says the pressure sensor could loosen over time and cause a fuel leak. Owners will be told of the recall by mail. They can also call (800) 255-3987.

-- David Lazarus