Toyota has recently announced that it will halt the production of several vehicles due to irregular certification tests for diesel engines developed by its affiliate Toyota Industries. During certification tests of three diesel engine models, irregularities were found in horsepower output tests, prompting a special investigative team to investigate the matter.
Ten models use the impacted engines globally, including the Hiace van, Fortuner SUV, Innova multipurpose vehicle, and Lexus-branded SUV. Toyota has been independently working to resolve a misconduct issue involving the manipulation of collision safety testing at Daihatsu, a small vehicle specialist. The company has stated that it will take necessary steps, such as conducting new engine certification tests in front of regulators, and aims to fully explain the situation to the relevant authorities.
Toyota CEO Koji Sato stated, “To move forward as a group, it’s necessary to have a management system that values the voice of workers on the ground,” acknowledging that the automaker’s subsidiaries have a problem with data fabrication and that there are communication issues.
At a news conference, Toyota Industries President Koichi Ito stated, “There was a lack of communication with Toyota Motor and insufficient coordination about testing processes and procedures that should have been followed.”
The company has stated that the affected engines and vehicles meet the required engine performance output standards. The inspectors found during their examination that the engine manufacturers were measuring horsepower output using different electronic control units.
“Moving forward, we will participate in all company-wide initiatives to support Toyota Industries’ reconstruction and closely monitor the circumstances to guarantee that safety and quality remain our top priorities,” the company said in a statement.
