Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda speaks during a news conference in Tokyo, Monday, June 3, 2024.
Toyota
In a stunning revelation, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda issued a public apology on Monday for widespread cheating on certification tests across seven vehicle models. This scandal has led the renowned automaker to suspend production of three of these models: the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross.
The fraudulent practices, which have severely tarnished the reputation of Japan’s top automaker, included the use of inadequate or outdated data in collision tests and incorrect testing of airbag inflation and rear-seat damage during crashes. Additionally, engine power tests were discovered to have been falsified.
Fraudulent Testing Unveiled
Toyota Motor Corp., headquartered in Toyota City, central Japan, has emphasized that the misconduct does not compromise the safety of vehicles currently on the roads. This includes popular models like the Corolla subcompact and Lexus luxury vehicles. However, the deceitful practices were also identified in several discontinued models.
Akio Toyoda, visibly remorseful, expressed his deep regret during a news conference in Tokyo, bowing deeply in a traditional gesture of apology. “We sincerely apologize,” Toyoda stated, maintaining the position for several seconds, as is customary in Japan when companies apologize for misbehavior.
A government investigation into Toyota’s testing procedures commenced in January, spurred by earlier certification issues within Toyota group companies, including truck maker Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor Co., known for small models, and Toyota Industries Corp., which manufactures machinery and auto parts. According to Shinji Miyamoto, a Toyota executive overseeing customer satisfaction, the automaker began scrutinizing its own testing processes after these problems surfaced at affiliated companies.
Ripple Effects in the Industry
On the same day, Mazda Motor Corp., Toyota’s Japanese competitor, admitted to similar irregularities in its certification testing. Mazda halted production of the Roadster and Mazda 2 models, citing the use of incorrect engine control software during tests. The company, based in Hiroshima, also confessed to violations in crash tests for three discontinued models but assured that these violations do not affect vehicle safety.
Honda Motor Co., another Tokyo-based automaker, joined the chorus of apologies, acknowledging improper tests on noise levels and torque for various models. The affected models, including the Accord, Odyssey, and Fit, are no longer in production, and Honda confirmed that the safety of these vehicles is not compromised.
Ongoing Commitment to Quality
The unraveling of testing systems at Toyota and its group companies presents a significant embarrassment for an automaker that has long prided itself on production excellence and a corporate culture aimed at making “ever-better cars.” Toyoda, the grandson of Toyota’s founder, suggested that some certification rules might be excessively stringent, noting the global variability in such tests. Nonetheless, he firmly stated 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,” said Toyoda. He acknowledged that the company might have been too eager to complete the tests, leading to shortcuts amid a surge in model varieties.
Despite this setback, Toyota remains a global automotive giant, selling over 10 million vehicles worldwide. The company is now focused on rectifying its testing processes and restoring consumer trust.
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