Toyota Halts Shipment of 10 Models Amid Diesel Engine Certification Irregularities
In a significant development, Toyota has announced the suspension of shipments for several models, including the popular Hilux truck and Land Cruiser 300 SUV. This decision comes in the wake of irregularities discovered in certification tests for diesel engines developed by Toyota’s affiliate, Toyota Industries.
A special investigative committee identified anomalies during horsepower output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models. The impacted engines are used in ten globally distributed models, including the Hiace van, Fortuner SUV, Innova multi-purpose vehicle, and the Lexus-branded LX500D SUV.
As the world’s largest automaker by sales, Toyota has been grappling with various challenges, including a separate case related to misconduct in collision safety tests at its subsidiary, Daihatsu.
To address the certification irregularities, Toyota expressed its commitment to taking corrective measures, such as conducting new engine certification tests in the presence of regulators when necessary. Toyota Industries President Koichi Ito acknowledged a lack of communication with Toyota Motor and insufficient coordination regarding testing processes and procedures.
During a press conference, Ito stated, “There was a lack of communication with Toyota Motor and not enough coordination about testing processes and procedures that should have been followed.”
Toyota Industries revealed that approximately 84,000 affected automobile diesel engines were sold during the financial year ending March 31, 2023. However, the exact number of impacted vehicles sold by Toyota over the years remains undisclosed.
The investigation confirmed that despite the irregularities, the affected engines and vehicles still met engine performance output standards. Notably, it was discovered that electronic control units used during horsepower output testing differed from those employed during engine production.
In response to the development, Japan’s transport ministry announced plans for an on-site investigation at Toyota Industries’ Hekinan plant in central Aichi prefecture, where the company manufactures automotive and industrial engines.
Toyota’s initial investigation primarily focused on certification regulations related to emissions performance in forklift and construction machinery engines. The special investigative committee found wrongdoing in this area as well.
Toyota Industries holds a nearly 25% stake in Toyota and is a crucial member of the Toyota group. Simultaneously, the supplier owns about 8% of Toyota shares. Following the news, shares in Toyota Industries experienced a decline of 4%, while Toyota Motor shares closed 3.1% higher.
