The extent of these testing inaccuracies, some involving outdated data in collision tests, falsified airbag inflation, and rear-seat damage assessments, has rocked Japan's leading car manufacturer. Emissions testing irregularities were also uncovered.
In response to these findings, Toyota (NYSE: TM) halted production in Japan for the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross models. He highlighted that these issues, which emerged from a Japanese government investigation initiated in January, are confined to domestic production and have had no impact on Toyota’s international manufacturing operations. Interestingly, Mazda Motor Corp. (TYO: 7261), another renowned Japanese automaker, disclosed similar certification testing irregularities on the same day, leading to a suspension of their Roadster and Mazda 2 production. Mazda's violations involved incorrect engine control software during tests, though the safety of the affected vehicles remained intact.
This series of admissions marks a significant embarrassment for Toyota (NYSE: TM) Group, which prides itself on its production mastery and culture of continuous improvement. The issues first came to light about two years ago with Toyota’s subsidiaries Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor Co. and Toyota Industries Corp., which specializes in machinery and parts manufacturing. Toyoda reiterated the company’s commitment to transparency: "We are not a perfect company. But if we see anything wrong, we will take a step back and keep trying to correct it.” This sentiment underscores the automaker's resolve to uphold its standards and rectify any shortcomings.
