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E-mail Xinhua, January 30, 2024
In a significant blow to the Japanese automaker, Toyota Motor Corp. said on Monday that power output data had been manipulated for 10 of its models sold globally.
The manipulation occurred at Toyota Industries Corp., an affiliate of the automaker, which fabricated data on diesel engines supplied for various models, including the Land Cruiser 300 and the Hilux.
In response to the scandal, Toyota announced the suspension of vehicle shipments with the affected engines.
At a news conference held on Monday, Toyota Pesident Koji Sato expressed deep apologies for the inconvenience caused to customers and assured that the company is committed to resolving the problem swiftly.
The 10 affected models, including the Hiace, Fortuner, and Innova, were sold in various markets, including Japan, Europe, and the Middle East.
The data manipulation dates back to 2017, according to Toyota Industries, and the company doctored fuel injection volume in engine output tests to enhance the appearance of torque.
Local media reported that a third-party panel's report blamed the corporate culture at Toyota Industries, citing a lack of will to actively increase compliance.
The revelation added to a series of quality control challenges that have plagued the world's largest automaker group in recent years.
Daihatsu Motor Co., Toyota's small-car unit, suspended all shipments last month after a third-party investigation exposed rigged safety tests for most of its models.
Hino Motors Ltd., another Toyota subsidiary, admitted to submitting fraudulent emissions and fuel economy data in March 2022.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan has expressed concern, stating that the problem shakes the foundation of the automobile certification system.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is set to conduct an on-site inspection at Toyota Industries' factory in Aichi Prefecture.
Despite the misconduct, Toyota assured that the affected engines now comply with engine output standards after a reevaluation.
Monday's announcement follows a revelation in March last year when Toyota Industries admitted to falsifying emissions data for its forklift engines.
The third-party panel has been investigating the issue, and Toyota Industries announced on Monday that data rigging was found in more of its forklift engines, leading to the halt of shipment for all affected products.
