Toyota Chief Koji Sato issued a formal apology on Monday for flawed testing procedures at a group company, expressing regret to customers, suppliers, and dealers. The apology precedes Chairman Akio Toyoda’s upcoming announcement of a “global vision” for Toyota Motor Corp.
The testing irregularities occurred at Toyota Industries Corp., responsible for manufacturing diesel engines, where false results were discovered during certification testing and sampling inspections. Sato emphasized the company’s commitment to resolving the issue promptly and resuming production.
This incident follows a series of similar scandals within the Toyota group, including testing discrepancies at Daihatsu Motor Corp. and systematic falsification of emissions data at Hino Motors. While no major accidents have been reported, the incidents raise concerns about oversight and compliance within the automotive industry.
Sato acknowledged the need for better communication among companies and emphasized the importance of compliance with regulations. He attributed some of the pressure to cut corners to the intense competition in the industry and stressed the importance of management’s understanding of certification procedures.
The testing irregularities affect approximately 7,000 vehicles per month in Japan and 36,000 vehicles globally, excluding North America. Models impacted include the Land Cruiser and Hilux SUVs. The incident underscores the challenges faced by automakers in ensuring regulatory compliance amid rapid technological advancements in the industry.