Toyota and four other car companies exposed to fraud

According to MLIT, fraudulent activities were reported in late May by a total of five companies: Toyota Motor, Honda Motor, Mazda, Yamaha Motor and Suzuki.

The five companies were found to have submitted false data and manipulated test vehicles during the certification tests required for mass production of vehicles.

MLIT plans to conduct on-site inspections at the five companies to verify the facts and details of the fraudulent activities.

The investigation into vehicle certification testing was launched after repeated cases of fraud were discovered at Daihatsu and Toyota Industries, both part of the Toyota Group. In response, MLIT had ordered 85 companies, including car makers and equipment manufacturers, to investigate and report any fraudulent activity in their type-approval applications.

TV Asahi Economic Department reporter Junya Shindo explains the recent fraud involving Toyota and four other companies in the vehicle certification system known as “type approval.” This system evaluates whether vehicles meet safety and quality standards.

Toyota reported fraud on seven models, including three that are currently in production and four that have been discontinued. Examples of fraud include replacing test data and manipulating crash test vehicles. Despite these practices, Toyota’s internal investigation revealed no performance issues, indicating there was no immediate danger to car owners.

This broader issue involves several Toyota Group companies, including Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has initiated an extensive investigation, which has led to the discovery of fraud at five companies. MLIT has established a committee to evaluate and prevent future fraud, while further investigations are ongoing.

Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda held a press conference on Monday afternoon and apologized to customers, car fans and all stakeholders.

Source: ANN