More Toyota Certification Problems Emerge from MLIT Probe

Akio Toyoda.

Toyota Motor Corporation said today that it had received a “correction order” from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), that calls for “drastic reforms to ensure appropriate certification operations.” (Read AutoInformed on: Toyota Releases More Details on Vehicle Certification Fraud, Toyota to Restart Pixis Production and Shipments, Daihatsu Ousted from CJPT for Certification Fraud)

“We have also received suggestions and guidance on additional matters. It is with deep regret that we were not able to properly conduct our certification operations, and we apologize to our stakeholders for any concern or inconvenience this may have caused them,” Toyota said in a release. “Through a series of suggestions and internal investigations, we believe that these incidents were caused by both on-site and management factors,” Toyota said.

On-site factors

• Unclear internal operational rules for preparing documents required for certification application.
• Insufficient clarification and management of resources required for the certification process.
• Insufficient awareness of the importance of certification work.

Managerial factors

Lack of understanding and involvement of management/executives in the overall certification process. (Akio Toyoda’s chairman’s position remains under threat here from dissatisfied shareholders, AutoInformed notes. See Group Troubles Move Forward Akio Toyoda’s Vision Speech)

Based on the above understanding, we will review the structure and system to implement correct certification operations, clarify the responsibility and authority of the certification process once again, and continue to improve our infrastructure, including accurate data management. We will promptly compile these measures to prevent recurrence and report them to the MLIT.

Through the TPS Jishuken (Joint Kaizen Activities) for certification work, we will also strive to create a medium- to long-term structure and culture.

In addition to the cases reported on June 3, the MLIT listed eight new cases involving seven vehicles through its on-site investigations, which were not certified in accordance with the prescribed procedures.“The newly discovered cases have been reported to the relevant authorities, including the MLIT, and they are in the process of confirming compliance with the standards. Customers do not need to stop using the vehicles,” Toyota said.

The Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross for the domestic market, which have been suspended since June 3, are scheduled to resume production from the beginning of September after the MLIT confirms that they are in compliance with the standards. Shipments of Noah/Voxy, which have been suspended since July 29 due to additional incidents, will resume as soon as possible since the MLIT also confirmed its compliance with the standards.