Toyota CEO, Koji Sato, publicly apologized in front of members of the Japanese media, concerning engine test result falsification. Specifically, this affects diesel engines that are used in popular vehicles such as the Toyota Hilux pickup truck.
According to the Associated Press, Toyota released the following statement.
“False results were found for certification testing and other sampling inspections for engines which claimed the products met standards when they actually didn’t, according to Toyota.“
It is not currently clear which standards these engines failed to meet. It’s easy to assume that it’s related to emissions regulations, but some experts are suggesting that it may have to do with quality. There is constant pressure to lower production costs while also complying with all global regulations and satisfying customer expectations.
As with many large corporations, Toyota owns many companies and brands. For example, Toyota owns all or a portion of the following companies: Hino, Daihatsu, Aisin, and others.
The engine production in question here is done by Toyota Industries. Toyota CEO acknowledges that Toyota group companies need better communication and education related to regulatory compliance. We do not yet know how this problem will be fixed, and how it affects current owners of vehicles with these engines. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
This document falsification does not affect the vehicle sold in the United States, according to the latest information that we have.
Here is another small Toyota pickup truck (the Stout) that we hope Toyota brings to North America soon.
