by Tessa R. Salazar
Here we go again.
The dust from the Daihatsu scandal hasn’t even settled, and now the world’s most prolific carmaker is faced with another major misstep, this time involving its diesel-powered engines.
It was reported that Toyota affiliate Toyota Industries Corp (TICO) fabricated data on diesel engines it makes and supplies for Toyota. Reports coming in from various sources point to “irregularities in horsepower output certification tests.”
Toyota Motor Corp announced in its website that TICO had “received a report from the special investigation committee (chaired by Hiroshi Inoue) that was commissioned to investigate potential irregularities of certification regulations related to inappropriate domestic emissions certification of engines for forklifts and construction machinery.
TMC’s investigation found “irregularities during the horsepower output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models. During certification testing, the horsepower output performance of engines was measured using ECUs with software that differed from that used for mass production so that results could measure to make values appear smoother with less variation. Ten vehicle models are using the affected engines globally, including six in Japan.
“We have re-verified the mass-produced products manufactured at the plant and confirmed that the affected engines and vehicles meet engine performance output standards. Therefore, there is no need to stop using the affected engines or vehicles.”
The TMC website also revealed the three affected diesel engines—the 1GD, 2GD and F33A. Vehicles powered by the 1GD are the Land Cruiser Prado, Hiace/Granace/Ace/ Mazda Bongo Brawny van, the Dyna, Hino Dutro, the Hilux, and Fortuner. The 2GD engine is used by the Hilux (in Thailand) and Innova (in India). Models equipped with the F33A are the Landcruiser 300 and the Lexus LX500D SUV.
Despite assurances from TMC, shipments of the affected vehicles would still be suspended.
A press conference held in Nagoya yesterday reported that TMC chair Akio Toyoda issuing a public apology yet again.
“We deeply apologize for troubling and worrying customers with the series of scandals” that occurred at the truck subsidiary Hino Motors Ltd, the small-car unit Daihatsu Motor Co, and affiliate Toyota Industries Corp, Kyodo News quoted Toyoda as saying. “The data rigging that occurred at the three firms was an extremely serious matter that betrayed customers’ trust and shook the foundation of the vehicle certification system,” Toyoda said.
TICO’s data rigging closely follows that of Toyota subsidiary Daihatsu’s manipulation of collision safety tests. TMC recently said, “We recognize the gravity of the fact that the repeated certification irregularities at TICO, following those at Daihatsu, have shaken the very foundations of the company as an automobile manufacturer.”
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) earlier downplayed the Daihatsu scandal, stressing that its vehicles weren’t involved in the crash test result manipulation. For the diesel data rigging, TMP is singing a similar tune.
It reiterated: “This matter relates to irregularities in the certification process based on national requirements in certain countries, but do not have any impact on horsepower, torque, or other powertrain-related values. Additionally, these irregularities do not compromise the emissions or safety of their vehicles. We would like to reassure our customers by stating that we believe their vehicles are unaffected by these irregularities. We apologize for any confusion or concern this issue may have caused.”
The affected Hilux pickups and Innova units are sold in Thailand and India, respectively, according to the TMC website.