Toyota continues to be embroiled in a scandal related to cheating in tests. Photo: Reuters. |
According to Reuters, Toyota has announced that it will suspend the delivery of a range of different models after discovering abnormalities in diesel engine certification tests.
Specifically, a special investigation committee has discovered abnormalities in the output power testing process for certifying three diesel engine models, including the 1GD, 2GD, and F33A engines. These engines are manufactured by Toyota Industries, the authorization unit for developing diesel engines for automobiles by the Toyota Group.
These engines are used in various models, including Toyota Hiace/Granace, Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Innova, Lexus LX500d, Mazda Bongo Van, Hino Dyna/Dutro, as well as Toyota Hilux, Toyota Land Cruiser 300, and 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado models that have ceased production.
According to information posted on Toyota’s global website, the aforementioned models are sold in Japan, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, as well as various markets in Asia.
List of models using the related engines. |
The latest scandal involving Toyota comes as the Japanese automotive conglomerate is already dealing with other misconduct related to safety tests conducted by Daihatsu.
According to Reuters, Toyota has been working to explain the issue in detail to regulatory authorities and will carry out new engine certification tests under the supervision of the relevant management entities if necessary.
Information from Toyota Industries reveals that approximately 84,000 diesel engines related to the incident were sold in the previous fiscal year, up to March 31, 2023.
Koji Sato, CEO of Toyota, admitted that the company has been selling approximately 36,000 affected engine units per month worldwide, equivalent to about 432,000 units annually.
When asked if the company is able to accurately estimate the number of affected vehicles sold in recent years, the Toyota representative was unable to immediately provide a specific figure.
In Japan, the halted shipments have affected the production activities of 6 assembly lines in 4 different factories. Toyota, on its part, asserts that the related engines and vehicles meet the performance standards for engine output.
Toyota has stated that the investigation has revealed that the electronic control units (ECUs) used during the output power testing differ from the control units used in the production of engines.
The Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has confirmed that it will conduct an investigation at Toyota Industries’ Hekinan plant in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where Toyota authorizes the production of automotive and industrial engines.
Great books to read when in a car
The Automotive section offers readers with interesting books on various topics. During long journeys in cars, it is not uncommon to have moments of rest and relaxation, and books can be great companions during such times.