On Monday, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda apologized for cheating on certification tests involving seven vehicle models. As a result, Toyota has suspended production of three of these models.
The fraudulent testing at Japan’s leading automaker involved using outdated or inadequate data in collision tests, incorrect airbag inflation testing, and false rear-seat damage assessments in crashes. Additionally, engine power tests were falsified.
Toyota Motor Corp., headquartered in Toyota City, central Japan, stopped production of the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross in the country. Some discontinued models also contained deceptive testing practices. Despite these issues, the company assured that the safety of vehicles already on the road, including the Corolla subcompact and Lexus luxury vehicles, is not compromised.
“We sincerely apologize,” Toyoda told reporters, bowing deeply and holding the position for several seconds, in accordance with Japanese custom for public apologies.
The Japanese government launched an investigation into Toyota in January. The scandal does not impact Toyota’s overseas production.
On the same day, Mazda Motor Corp., another Japanese automaker, reported similar irregularities in certification testing and stopped production of two models, the Roadster and Mazda 2, due to incorrect engine control software used in tests. Mazda, based in Hiroshima, also admitted to violations in crash tests for three discontinued models.
Honda Motor Co., based in Tokyo, also issued an apology for improper testing on various models, including noise levels and torque tests. The affected older models—the Accord, Odyssey, and Fit—are no longer in production, and Honda stated that vehicle safety is not impacted.
Certification issues first emerged two years ago at Toyota group companies, including Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor Co., which specialize in trucks and small models, respectively, and Toyota Industries Corp., which manufactures machinery and auto parts. Shinji Miyamoto, a Toyota executive overseeing customer satisfaction, stated that Toyota began scrutinizing its tests following these issues within its group companies.
The unraveling of Toyota’s testing systems is an embarrassment for an automaker renowned for its production expertise.” Toyoda, the grandson of the company’s founder, suggested that some certification rules might be overly stringent and vary globally. However, he emphasized that he was not justifying the violations.
“We are not a perfect company. But if we see anything wrong, we will take a step back and keep trying to correct it,” Toyoda said. He acknowledged that the company might have been too eager to complete the tests, leading to abbreviated procedures amid an increase in model varieties.
