Due to certification irregularities at Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) which develops diesel engines for Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), the company has temporarily halted shipping of vehicles equipped with these powertrains.
Ten vehicle models are using the affected engines globally, including six in Japan.
A Toyota Australia spokesperson told Drive that the local distributor is seeking any information from its parent company on any impact to any vehicles in the market.
“We have been informed that there is no variation in the power, torque or other powertrain-related values and in addition there is no compromise to the emissions, safety or driveability of the vehicles,” the spokesperson said.
Toyota Japan says it recognises the gravity of the certification irregularities at TICO, following those at Daihatsu, which has shaken the foundations of the company as an automobile manufacturer.
An internal investigation found that irregularities occurred during the horsepower output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models for automobiles that Toyota had commissioned to TICO.
During certification testing, the horsepower output performance of engines was measured using ECUs with software that differed from that used for mass production so that results could be measured to make values appear smoother with less variation.
Toyota says it had re-verified the mass-produced products manufactured at the plant and confirmed that the affected engines and vehicles meet engine performance output standards. It said there is no need to stop using the affected engines or vehicles.
“However, we deeply apologize to our customers who have been supporting affected vehicles and waiting for a long time, and also to all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern that this has caused,” Toyota says.
TICO has temporarily suspended shipments of the affected engines.
Toyota has also decided to temporarily suspend shipments of vehicles equipped with the affected engines.
“Going forward, we will provide detailed explanations to the authorities and promptly proceed with appropriate measures, including conducting testing in the presence of witnesses if appropriate,” Toyota says.
“Certification consists of having the national authorities inspect and confirm in advance that vehicles meet various standards so that customers can drive their vehicles with peace of mind. We consider the appropriate process of certification to be a major prerequisite for doing business as an automobile manufacturer.
“TICO has informed us that they will start by providing detailed explanations to authorities regarding these findings and proceed with measures under their guidance in the hopes of regaining the trust of customers and other stakeholders as a manufacturer worthy of certification.
“In addition, restructuring the relevant business will require a change in the mindset of all individuals, from management to employees, as well as a drastic reform of corporate culture. Such tasks cannot be accomplished overnight.
“Hence, as the party responsible for transferring the diesel engine business, Toyota will continue to provide support toward the revitalization of TICO’s engine business.
As the commissioner of these tests, Toyota says it regrets that it was not sufficiently attentive and aware of the fact that the procedures were not carried out as per the laws and regulations.
“Going forward, we will be involved in all company-wide activities to help rebuild TICO and review the situation to thoroughly ensure that safety and quality are the top priorities,” Toyota says.
