Toyota figures into latest certification irregularity issue

MANILA: Shipment of engines fitted in Toyota models found in various markets around the world — Asia included — shall be temporarily suspended following a new certification issue.

In a statement, Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) shared that Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) shall defer the shipment of three engines namely the 1GD (fitted in the Land Cruiser Prado, Hiace, Hilux, and Fortuner) 2GD (equipped in the Hilux and Innova), and the F33A (Land Cruiser 300 and Lexus LX500d), following the results of the investigation pertaining to horsepower output testing.

The said powertrains were commissioned by TMC to TICO.

Below is the complete list of models affected by the certification issue:

Engine	Vehicle Name	Start of Sales	Company	Destination
1GD	Land Cruiser Prado	August 2020 (Discontinued production)	Toyota Motor Corporation Hino Motors Ltd.	Japan, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia
	Hiace/ Grance / Bongo Brawny van (MAZDA)	December 2017	Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. Gifu Auto Body Co., Ltd. Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd. (Thailand)	Japan, Europe, Middle East, Asia
	Dyna/ Dutro (Hino)	May 2021	Hino Motors Ltd.	Japan, Asia
	Hilux	May 2020	Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. Toyota South Africa Motors (Pty) Ltd. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (India)	Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa
	Fortuner	May 2020	Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. PT. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (India)	Europe, Middle East, Asia
2GD	Hilux	May 2020	Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd.	Japan
	Innova	July 2020	Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (India)	Asia
F33A	Land Cruiser 300	August 2021	Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.	Japan, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa
	LX500d	January 2022	Toyota Auto Body Co., Ltd.	Europe, Middle East, Asia

 

Toyota said that during the latest test, it was discovered that the horsepower output performance of engines was measured using electronic control units with software that was different from those used for mass production. Such was done, TMC stated , “so that results could measure to make values appear smoother with less variation.”

The Japanese automaker noted that owners of the affected models need not to stop using their vehicles as the company firm that the products meet engine performance output standards

“However, we deeply apologize to our customers who have been supporting affected vehicles and waiting for a long time, and also to all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern that this has caused,” Toyota said in the statement.

Further, TMC said that TICO will provide detailed explanations to authorities regarding the new findings and “proceed with measures under their guidance in the hopes of regaining the trust of customers and other stakeholders as a manufacturer worthy of certification.”

“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,” TMC said.

Earlier, the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism has officially revoked the model certification of select models from Toyota, Daihatsu, and Mazda. 

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV

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