Toyota Motor and Mazda Motor, two of Japan’s leading automakers, have recently faced setbacks due to inconsistencies in safety applications used to certify their vehicles. This comes in the wake of a safety testing scandal that has plagued Japanese automakers in recent years.
The Transport Ministry in Japan announced on Monday that anomalies were found in certification applications from Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha. As a result, Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha were directed to halt shipments of certain automobile models. This revelation signifies a further expansion of the safety testing scandal that has plagued the Japanese automotive industry.
Toyota, the world’s largest automaker by volume, announced that it has temporarily halted shipments and sales of three Japanese-made automobile models. The company’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, will address the issue during a press conference. Additionally, the transport ministry will conduct an on-site assessment at Toyota’s headquarters.
Mazda has also faced setbacks, as it delayed shipments of its Roadster RF sports vehicle and Mazda2 hatchback. The company discovered that staff had altered engine control software test findings. Furthermore, crash tests of discontinued Atenza and Axela models were tampered with, employing a timer to activate airbags instead of relying on an on-board sensor.
Yamaha, a prominent motorcycle manufacturer, announced that it had halted supplies of a sporting motorcycle due to the safety testing irregularities. Honda, another major automaker, also revealed that it had discovered wrongdoing in noise and output tests on nearly two dozen vehicles that are no longer in production. These irregularities occurred over a period of more than eight years.
The repercussions of these safety testing scandals have been felt in the stock market. Toyota shares fell 1.8%, while Mazda shares declined 3.3%. However, both companies have emphasized that there are no performance issues that breach regulations and have assured consumers that they can continue driving their vehicles.
This is not the first time a safety testing scandal has hit the Japanese automotive industry. Last year, Toyota’s compact car affiliate, Daihatsu, faced controversy when it was discovered that the company had manipulated side-collision safety testing for thousands of small cars, many of which were sold under the Toyota brand.
The safety testing irregularities highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the automotive industry. It is crucial for automakers to prioritize the safety of their vehicles and ensure that all testing procedures are conducted accurately and in compliance with regulations. The repercussions of these scandals can have a significant impact on consumer trust and the reputation of the affected companies.
In conclusion, the recent safety testing irregularities at Toyota and Mazda, along with other Japanese automakers, have raised concerns about the industry’s commitment to vehicle safety. It is essential for these companies to address these issues promptly and take necessary measures to regain consumer trust and uphold their reputation for producing reliable and safe vehicles.