The scandal surrounding Toyota has caused turmoil within the Japanese car industry. Japan’s transport ministry recently conducted a raid on the headquarters of the world’s largest carmaker following revelations of faulty safety data being provided for certification tests. Toyota has issued public apologies for the inaccuracies in the data submitted.
This scandal has had ripple effects, with other major Japanese car manufacturers such as Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki also admitting to submitting faulty data for certification tests. Despite this, Toyota has assured the public that the safety of vehicles already on the road is not compromised by the faulty data.
In response to the scandal, Toyota has suspended production of three car models and has faced accusations of using modified vehicles during safety collision tests for cars that are no longer in production. The company’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, issued a formal apology to customers and car enthusiasts, adhering to the customary Japanese practice of bowing deeply in contrition.
Other Japanese carmakers, including Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki, are also under scrutiny for potential wrongdoing related to safety certification tests. Honda has found issues with noise and engine power tests, while Mazda has halted shipments of certain cars and is bearing costs to suppliers. Suzuki has disclosed findings related to one of its car models that is no longer in production.
In light of the scandal, Daihatsu has compensated over 400 domestic suppliers during a period of plant idle time. The implications of this scandal within the Japanese car industry continue to unfold as manufacturers reassess their procedures and take measures to restore trust in their products.