Toyota has pledged to enhance its supervision of vehicle certification processes to prevent a recurrence of the recent scandal involving improper tests. The automaker, Japan's largest, has outlined a series of measures aimed at improving oversight, including increased managerial involvement, additional staff assigned to certification tasks, and clarification of responsibilities within specific roles, such as the chief engineer.
The company's report detailing these steps was submitted to the Japanese government, which had previously reprimanded Toyota following the revelation of fraudulent testing practices. Toyota admitted to a range of misconduct, such as using inadequate or outdated data in crash tests, incorrect airbag inflation tests, and inaccurate engine power checks.
Despite the wrongdoing, Toyota has assured the public that the safety of vehicles already in circulation, including popular models like the Corolla and Lexus, remains unaffected. As a result, current vehicle owners are not required to take any action in response to the scandal.
However, the controversy has dealt a blow to Toyota's reputation for quality control and employee empowerment. The company has halted production of certain models, with reports suggesting a potential reduction of 500,000 vehicles in its annual global output, which typically amounts to 11 million units.
Subsequent investigations by Toyota uncovered further instances of cheating, particularly in certifications related to pedestrian protection, side collisions, and steering impact. The company acknowledged significant deficiencies in its certification operations, citing issues with data management systems and the need for clearer regulations and procedures.
While the scandal has primarily impacted Toyota, similar fraudulent testing practices were also discovered at other Japanese automakers, including Mazda, Honda, Hino Motors, and Daihatsu Motor.
The Japanese government initiated an investigation into Toyota's conduct earlier this year, with repercussions limited to domestic production facilities. Overseas operations have not been implicated in the controversy.
Toyota's chairman, the grandson of the company's founder, publicly apologized for the misconduct and expressed a commitment to rectifying the situation through comprehensive reforms in the certification process.
