Iran Press/Asia: The infractions are many — including the submission of false data, rewriting of engine-control software, false entries in test reports, conducting tests under inappropriate conditions and improper modification of test vehicles in crash tests.
Investigations are ongoing at a number of companies. The exact nature of the possible infractions and their severity remains unclear, while vehicle performance and safety are likely unaffected.
A total of 38 models — six currently on the market and 32 discontinued — from five companies were covered in the disclosures.
Shipments have been halted for those still in production.
Toyota was already mired in scandals over certification tests by its group firms, but now the automaker has said the company itself has found that it did not follow the rules in some cases.
In a statement, Japan’s largest carmaker said that a number of models “were tested using methods that differed from the government standards,” but added that the vehicles have “no performance issues that contravene laws and regulations.”
Toyota had previously described its certification process, which involves inspections to ensure vehicles meet critical safety requirements, as enabling customers to “drive their vehicles with peace of mind.”
Attending a news conference, Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda apologized.
This misconduct “rocks the foundation of the certification system itself, so this is something that we must refrain from doing as a carmaker,” he said.
In the wake of earlier testing issues identified at Toyota group companies, Toyoda had in January vowed to reform group companies and their governance by “leading the transformation efforts as the person responsible for the group.”The transport ministry will carry out inspections at Toyota’s headquarters on Tuesday and take “strict measures” based on its investigations.
The company has halted shipments of its Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross models.
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