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Japan’s car safety scandal deepens, as Toyota halts sale of 3 car models. Honda, Mazda, Yamaha and Suzuki also faked results
- Toyota submitted faulty data during pedestrian-safety tests for 3 current models, and used modified test vehicles during collision-safety tests for 4 past model
- It was among five carmakers, including Honda and Mazda, found to have falsified or manipulated safety data while applying for certification
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Japan suspended the delivery and sales of six vehicles currently on the road, including three manufactured by Toyota, escalating a safety scandal that’s embroiled some of the world’s top carmakers.
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Toyota submitted faulty data during pedestrian-safety tests for three current models – the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross – and used modified test vehicles during collision-safety tests for four past models, including the Crown, the transport ministry said on Monday. It was among five carmakers, including Honda and Mazda, found to have falsified or manipulated safety data while applying for certification.
In total, the ministry identified 32 previously manufactured vehicles as being incorrectly certified. Officials will perform an on-site investigation of Toyota’s headquarters in Nagoya on Tuesday, the ministry said.
Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed regret over the scandal, bowing his head at a press conference in Tokyo on Monday, saying “we sincerely apologise”.
Bowing deeply and holding the position for several seconds is customary in Japan at news conferences where companies apologise for misbehaviour.
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A Japanese government investigation into Toyota began in January. The issue does not affect Toyota’s overseas production.
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