Toyota Motor Corp is to temporarily suspend shipments of 10 vehicle models after supplier Toyota Industries Corp disclosed certification problems concerning some diesel engines.
An investigative committee found irregularities during horsepower-output testing that took measurements based on computer modules running software that ultimately differed from the software that was used for mass production, the Japanese automaker said in a statement yesterday.
The certification issue is the latest blow to beset Toyota, following an announcement by subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co last month that most of its vehicles were not properly tested for collision safety and that the automaker manipulated the results of tests dating as far back as 1989. As a result, Daihatsu is halting shipments and suspending operations through at least next month.
Photo: AFP
“To move forward as a group it’s necessary to have a management system that values the voice of workers on the ground,” Toyota chief executive officer Koji Sato said, adding that data fabrication is an issue at the automaker’s subsidiaries as well as communication problems.
Toyota is to halt the production of the affected models in Japan immediately and stop the manufacture of impacted overseas models from today, Sato said, with production to restart on a country-specific basis.
The committee involved in the Toyota Industries issue found irregularities during horsepower-output testing for three engine models.
In total, 10 car models use the engines around the world, the company said.
Those include the Land Cruiser Prado, the Land Cruiser 300, the Fortuner and the Hilux.
The committee had initially been investigating Toyota Industries over certification related to engines used in forklifts. The latest findings came after the probe expanded to construction machinery engines and then diesel engines for cars.
“We weren’t communicating enough with Toyota Motor regarding the test process” after orders increased from 2017, Toyota Industries president Koichi Ito said, adding that he will seek to rebuild communications with the parent company.
The impact of the scandal on earnings is currently unknown, Ito said.
“Going forward, we will be involved in all company-wide activities to help rebuild Toyota Industries and review the situation to thoroughly ensure that safety and quality are the top priorities,” Toyota said in a statement.
The Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is to start on-site inspections today.
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