TOKYO (AP) — Toyota vowed Friday to tighten oversight of the certification of its vehicles to ensure a scandal recently uncovered over improper testing never happens again.
Japan’s largest automaker detailed the measures it will take, including greater management involvement, allocating more staff to certification tasks and clarifying the responsibilities of specific positions, such as chief engineer.
The report was presented to the Japanese government, which reprimanded Toyota last month.
Two months ago, Toyota Motor Corp. admitted to widespread fraudulent testing, including the use of inadequate or outdated crash test data, improper airbag deployment tests and engine power testing.
Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota and grandson of the automaker’s founder, apologized.
The violation does not affect the safety of vehicles already on the road, including the popular compact Corolla and luxury Lexus vehicles, so owners do not need to do anything.
But it was a major embarrassment for a manufacturer that prides itself on giving its workers the tools to ensure quality control.
Toyota has suspended production of some models. Japanese media reports speculate that the scandal will reduce Toyota’s annual global production by around 500,000 vehicles. Toyota sells 11 million vehicles a year worldwide.
After the first disclosure, Toyota discovered more deception, including certifications for pedestrian protection, side impact and steering impact.
“There were many areas for improvement in the foundation of the certification operation, such as the data management system and the establishment of rules and procedures for the certification operations,” Toyota said in a statement.
A Japanese government investigation into Toyota began in January. The issue has not affected overseas production.
Similar fraudulent tests were found at Japanese automakers Mazda Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co., and at Toyota Group manufacturers Hino Motors and Daihatsu Motor Co.
___
