Japanese officials inspect Toyota headquarters over safety certification scandal

Toyota Motor's main office in Japan was visited because of a safety certification investigation involving five carmakers. Three Toyota models - Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross - stopped production. The testing problems at Toyota included issues with collision tests, airbag inflation tests, rear-seat damage in crashes, and engine power tests. Toyota stated that models made outside Japan are not affected. Other carmakers like Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha are also involved. Toyota is the world's largest car producer. Toyota had previously found problems with safety procedures in its truck division and Daihatsu. The chairman of Toyota, Akio Toyoda, apologized for the issues and promised to fix them. Japanese officials went to Toyota's headquarters after a safety test scandal involving multiple carmakers in Japan. Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha provided incorrect safety test data. Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha had to stop shipping certain models. All five companies were told to review their safety certification processes. Toyota admitted to using incorrect methods in testing some models. The investigation is ongoing. Toyota assured customers that their cars are safe to use. The scandal has caused concerns because Japan's safety tests are very strict. Toyota's factories will continue operating during the investigation, but production of the three models under scrutiny will pause. The Transport Ministry will inspect the facilities of the other carmakers as well. Toyota had previously suspended shipments due to irregularities in certification tests for diesel engines. The transport ministry raided Toyota's headquarters over the safety data scandal. Toyota apologized for providing incorrect safety data. The scandal has affected other Japanese carmakers like Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki. Toyota sold over 11 million cars in 2023. The company halted production of three models and was accused of using modified vehicles in safety tests. Toyota's chairman apologized for the oversight. Honda, Mazda, and Suzuki are also under inspection for similar issues. Honda found problems with noise and engine power tests but assured that their cars are safe. Mazda stopped some shipments and will cover the costs for its suppliers. Daihatsu, a Toyota-owned company, closed its factories for over a month after admitting to falsifying safety tests. Daihatsu compensated its suppliers during the shutdown.