Toyota apologizes! Japan safety testing scandal expands

Toyota Motor Corporation admitted to cheating on several certification and safety tests for seven models of cars sold in Japan, three of which are still in production. Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed regret about this during a press conference in Tokyo. The Japanese government recently announced the results of its investigation conducted earlier this year, which is ongoing and affecting several automotive manufacturers.

Toyota stated, "We are not a perfect company. But if we see any mistakes, we will step back and continue to try to correct them." The issue does not affect Toyota's markets outside Japan. However, it represents a stern test for Japanese automakers in their important and profitable domestic market. Toyota mentioned in a press release that a total of seven models were affected.

The certification requests for the involved models contained insufficient data in pedestrian and passenger protection tests for three production models: the Toyota Corolla Touring, which is the station wagon version of the world's best-selling sedan, the Toyota Corolla, alongside the hybrid vehicle Corolla Axio, and a compact crossover called Yaris Cross.

Toyota also noted that for four models that ceased production in 2014, including Crown, Isis, Sienta, and an older version of the luxury Lexus RX, there were “errors in crash tests and other testing methods.”

However, Toyota also confirmed that despite not undergoing the proper certification and testing procedures, there are no performance issues that contradict laws and regulations. In other words, the company claims that the cars have passed all required inspections correctly.

Toyota said, “Therefore, there is no need to stop using the affected vehicles. However, given these results, we have taken measures to temporarily suspend shipments and sales of three models currently being produced in Japan, effective today.” The company stated it will continue to cooperate with Japanese investigators and “expedite appropriate measures, including conducting tests in the presence of witnesses.”

The statement concluded: “Once again, we sincerely apologize to our customers and stakeholders.” Honda and Mazda reported similar issues but also stated that the cars still meet regulations.

Mazda Motor reported similar irregular certification tests for two models, the Roadster and Mazda 2. Like Toyota, it has temporarily halted production of both models. It added that three other discontinued models were also affected.