On Tuesday, June 4, Japan’s transport ministry launched an on-site investigation at Toyota’s headquarters. This action was taken after irregularities were discovered in Toyota’s applications to certify certain vehicle models.
A report by Reuters highlighted that these certification issues are part of a larger problem. The fallout began with a safety test scandal at Toyota’s Daihatsu compact car unit and has since spread to other Japanese automakers.
Lok Sabha Election 2024 Results LIVE Updates
Despite the broader scope of the issue, Toyota was the only automaker to undergo an on-site inspection. On Monday, the transport ministry announced plans for this investigation, revealing that Toyota, along with Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha Motor, had submitted either flawed or manipulated data when applying for vehicle certification.
Following the news, Toyota’s shares fell by 1.1 percent on Tuesday morning.
Responding to the investigation, Toyota’s chairperson, Akio Toyoda, issued a public apology on Monday. During a press conference, Toyoda admitted that the correct certification processes had not been followed within Toyota Group companies. This group includes Daihatsu, the truck brand Hino, and Toyota itself.
Toyoda explained, “In order to be mass-produced and sold, vehicles must meet the standards of the certification process. The problem in this case was that they were mass-produced and sold without going through the correct certification process.”
He added, “As the person responsible for the Toyota Group, I would like to sincerely apologise to our customers, car enthusiasts, and all stakeholders for the problems that have occurred within the Group. I am truly sorry.”
The investigation at Toyota’s headquarters aims to uncover the extent of the certification irregularities and ensure that proper procedures are followed in the future. This development marks a significant moment for the Japanese automotive industry, which is now facing increased scrutiny over its certification practices.
Comments