Japan Orders Drastic Reforms for Toyota After Fresh Certification Violations

The Japanese government has issued a stern directive to Toyota Motor Corporation, demanding “drastic reforms” following the discovery of new violations in the automaker’s vehicle certification procedures. This comes after on-site inspections by the Transport Ministry unveiled widespread, intentional misconduct and irregularities in the certification of seven additional models that had not been previously disclosed.

In the corrective order issued on Wednesday, the Transport Ministry highlighted significant issues with Toyota’s certification processes. The ministry’s findings suggest a systemic problem within the company, pointing to a culture that allowed and potentially encouraged the submission of flawed or manipulated data. This discovery has shaken the automotive industry, raising questions about the integrity of Toyota’s certification practices and the broader implications for consumer trust and regulatory compliance.

Toyota responded to the corrective order by acknowledging the need for substantial changes. The automaker stated that it was instructed to “make drastic reforms to ensure appropriate certification operations.” Toyota emphasized its commitment to rectifying the situation, noting that it is in the process of confirming compliance with certification requirements for the affected models. The company reassured customers that there is no need to stop using the vehicles involved, indicating that the identified irregularities do not pose an immediate safety risk.

This latest development follows a series of revelations earlier this year. In July, Toyota reported that it had not found any new instances of wrongdoing in its car model certification applications beyond those disclosed in June. However, the recent inspections have contradicted this assertion, uncovering issues in seven more models. This has intensified scrutiny on Toyota and raised concerns about the thoroughness and transparency of its internal investigations.

The initial admission of wrongdoing in June involved not only Toyota but also four other vehicle manufacturers. These companies confessed to submitting either flawed or manipulated data when applying for vehicle certification. For Toyota, the violations initially centered on three production models — the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross — as well as discontinued versions of four other models, including one sold under the luxury Lexus brand.

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In response to the certification issues, Toyota had halted production of the affected models. The company announced plans to resume production from the beginning of September, contingent on the Transport Ministry’s confirmation that the models meet compliance requirements. This production pause underscores the severity of the situation and the extensive measures required to address the certification lapses.

The Transport Ministry’s order for industry-wide checks of certification practices followed a safety test scandal at Toyota’s Daihatsu compact car unit. This earlier scandal had already prompted heightened regulatory scrutiny, setting the stage for the recent discoveries. The ministry’s latest findings indicate that six of the seven additional Toyota models with irregularities were also certified in other countries. Consequently, the ministry has alerted overseas authorities about these issues, highlighting the international ramifications of Toyota’s certification problems.

The additional models identified in the latest inspections include a minivan sold under the names Noah and Voxy, and the RAV4, Harrier, and Lexus LM. While four of these models are still in production, three are no longer manufactured. This mix of current and discontinued models suggests that the certification issues have been ongoing and affect a broad swath of Toyota’s vehicle lineup.

The repercussions of these revelations are significant. For Toyota, a company renowned for its quality and reliability, the certification scandals represent a serious blow to its reputation. Restoring trust with consumers and regulatory bodies will require not only compliance with the corrective order but also a demonstrable commitment to transparency and ethical conduct.

For the Japanese automotive industry as a whole, these incidents have prompted a reevaluation of certification practices and regulatory oversight. The Transport Ministry’s aggressive stance on enforcement and its willingness to alert international authorities reflect a broader effort to uphold safety standards and maintain the credibility of Japan’s automotive sector.

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In conclusion, the Japanese government’s order for “drastic reforms” at Toyota following new certification violations marks a critical juncture for the automaker. The revelations of widespread, intentional misconduct necessitate comprehensive changes in Toyota’s certification processes and a renewed focus on compliance and integrity. As Toyota works to implement these reforms, the broader automotive industry will be watching closely, recognizing that the stakes extend beyond one company to the reputation and reliability of Japanese automotive manufacturing on the global stage.