The Japanese government has reported that car companies accused of offering “fraudulent safety tests” have confessed to their actions.
In Japan, a government investigation is underway into leading automakers, including Toyota, Mazda, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki, in connection with allegations of fraudulent safety testing for certification in the vehicle production process. The investigation alleges that vehicle manufacturers submitted false data or rigged test results to pass safety tests. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) announced that these companies have admitted to cheating.
The ministry has asked the companies to stop production of the car models in question in order to halt shipments and re-verify safety standards. In addition, Japanese authorities estimate that these fraudulent practices will have a limited impact on the country’s economy.
Toyota Motor admitted that fraudulent methods were used in the certification of its vehicles, including 7 models. Honda’s 4.3 million, Toyota’s 1.7 million, Mazda’s 150,000, Suzuki’s 26,000 and Yamaha’s 7,000 vehicles are said to have been affected.
Toyota’s President Toyoda Akio Akio, in a press conference on this situation, acknowledged the company’s mistake and stated that they will follow the ministry’s instructions and apologized for not following the correct certification process. Toyoda also emphasized that such practices are unacceptable as an automobile manufacturer, stating that such tricks have a devastating effect on the certification process.
A more detailed examination of these developments and their impact on the automobile industry and certification processes in Japan is expected.
