Japanese automakers have been caught rigging certification tests, and Toyota may be the main offender.
Falsification of tests
Investigation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan
Ministry of Land, Japan's Ministry of Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) investigated 85 domestic manufacturers, including several automobile companies. Most of them acted in accordance with the law, but Mazda, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki were found guilty of fraud because they falsified applications for approval. These companies were ordered to suspend shipment of vehicles whose certification tests were falsified and to correct the deficiencies as soon as possible.
Automaker violations
Mazda rewrote engine management software to affect performance testing. Yamaha and Honda provided false noise test data, and Suzuki lied about brake testing results. In addition, Mazda falsified crash tests.
Investigation into Toyota
Investigation into Toyota continues, but MLIT has already identified violations , such as misrepresenting pedestrian protection test data for three current models and falsifying vehicle crash tests for four previously produced vehicles.
Toyota Statement
Toyota released a detailed statement claiming that the lie actually served interests of consumers. The company found six cases among seven models where testing methods differed from established standards, but stressed that none of the vehicles involved were dangerous.
Additional Toyota violations
Shinji Miyamoto, head of the Toyota Customer First Promotion Group, noted that in most cases more stringent testing conditions were used and the data provided exceeded required by law. However, Toyota failed to distinguish between the passenger and driver sides when reporting side impact head and leg injuries to a pedestrian, reported luggage hazard data using an outdated test unit, and adjusted the engine management system instead of stopping the test to correct the problem.
"We have internally reviewed all cases and confirmed that they all meet legal standards and can therefore be safely used by our customers," Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda said about damaged vehicles.
Models Affected
False testing affected 2014 Crown, Isis, Sienta, Crown and 2015 Lexus RX vehicles that no longer issued. Incorrect certification tests have also been applied to the current Corolla Axio, Corolla Fielder and Yaris Cross models, which have been suspended in Japan.
Global Impact
It is unknown how many vehicles were sold with falsified certificates or whether they were distributed outside of Japan. The identified issues are based on revisions of past certifications to Japanese requirements, while other regions may have different certification processes and standards.
Glossary
- Toyota is a Japanese automaker, one of the largest in the world.
- Mazda is a Japanese automobile company known for its sports models.
- Honda is a Japanese manufacturer of cars, motorcycles and power equipment.
- Suzuki is a Japanese manufacturer of cars, motorcycles and boat engines.
- Yamaha is a Japanese company, manufacturer of motorcycles, marine vessels and other vehicles.
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Answers to questions
Which automakers have been caught falsifying certification tests?
What violations were discovered at Toyota?
How did Toyota explain its data falsification efforts?
Which Toyota models were affected by the certification test rigging?
What consequences do violating companies face as a result of the investigation?
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Discussion of the topic – Major Japanese automakers caught falsifying tests: scandal with Toyota, Mazda, Yamaha and others
Several leading Japanese car companies, including Toyota, Mazda, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki, are accused of falsifying data during mandatory certification tests. This can lead to large fines and reputational losses for these brands.
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Иван
Bad news from Japan! It appears that some automakers have falsified certification tests 😳 This is a very serious violation that undermines confidence in the quality of their products.
София
Yes, the violations are truly egregious! Toyota, the largest auto giant, is especially striking 😓 I couldn’t imagine that they would take such a step. I am very disappointed with their excuses supposedly for the sake of consumers. This is unacceptable!
Максим
But trust in a brand is the most important asset for companies. Falsification of tests seriously undermines the reputation of the manufacturer 😕 I'm afraid the consequences will be very painful for some.
Виктор
I am also shocked by what happened! 😲 I have always considered Japanese cars to be the standard of quality and reliability. Now you have to reconsider your opinion...
Григорий
Ugh, what disgusting! 🤮 These newfangled trends are no good. In my time, cars were based on conscience, not deception! 😠 Stop spreading this nonsense, better read about new varieties of potatoes.
Анна
Grigory, why are you grumbling like an old belt 🙄 Progress does not stand still, and the auto industry is constantly developing. But indeed, such disruptions mar innovation. I hope the manufacturers will draw the right conclusions 🤔
Елена
I agree, the situation is very serious. But I believe that after such a scandal, automakers will tighten quality control 💪 Maybe this will even be beneficial in the long run?
Антон
I'm not sure that we should blindly believe the promises of manufacturers after this... 🧐 They will pay considerable fines, but who guarantees that they will not repeat their tricks in the future? There's a lot of money at stake.