Toyota, Honda among Japan's automakers hit by testing scandal
Business
By
AFP
| Jun 03, 2024
Toyota said Monday it had suspended domestic shipments of three car models after falling foul of government certification rules along with its Japanese rivals Honda, Mazda, Suzuki and Yamaha.
The transport ministry told the companies to stop delivering certain models within Japan after they reported failures to follow standardised steps to certify vehicles for shipment.
On-site inspections will also be carried out, it said.
The latest irregularities came to light after the ministry told 85 automakers and parts suppliers to report wrongdoing related to certification applications -- an edict prompted by a safety test scandal at Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu.
Daihatsu in December admitted manipulating tests since at least 1989 and halted all factory operations, dealing a blow to the Japanese economy. Its shipments resumed in April after the government lifted a sweeping ban.
READ MORE
Wangai, Wafula lead Kenyan charge at Sunshine Development Tour
Government moves to restore learning in universities after 49-day strike
AG, MPs want court to lift freeze on cybercrime law enforcement
Nairobi among 33 cities picked to fight extreme heat
Kenya-UK trade hits Sh340 billion on rising exports
113 adults take KCSE in Kakamega amid 8-4-4 phase-out
Former US vice president Dick Cheney dies at 84: US media
Landslide claims 14 learners in Elgeyo Marakwet, PS Bitok says
Ruto unveils Sh4 trillion plan to propel Kenya from third to first world economy
National exams continue smoothly countrywide amid budget constraints
"It is extremely regrettable that additional wrongful acts have been revealed," which "undermine the trust of users and shake the very foundation of the vehicle certification system", a ministry statement said on Monday.
Toyota said it would suspend shipping of the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross after reporting inadequate data in pedestrian and occupant protection tests.
The world's top-selling automaker said ongoing internal reviews had also found four other models no longer in production were "tested using methods that differed from the government standards".
Toyota apologised to its customers but assured them that the vehicles were safe to drive.
Honda said it had found wrongdoing in tests related to noise and engine power, but also stressed that its vehicles were safe and had passed corporate standards.
In recent months, Toyota's truck and bus brand Hino has been hit by a scandal over rigged tests of its engines in Japan.
Meanwhile, its affiliate Toyota Industries did not conduct proper output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models.
Toyota's board chair Akio Toyoda said in January it would "take time to recover the trust back from our customers" and promised to lead a "transformation".