More problems for Daihatsu arise as the Japanese automaker has revealed that three vehicle type certifications (VTAs) have been canceled by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) as a result of the safety testing controversy. The VTAs are mandatory for the mass production of automobiles, and the affected models are the Daihatsu Gran Max, Toyota TownAce, and Mazda Bongo.
This comes after Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) conducted an on-site inspection and judged that fraud in applications for VTAs was particularly malicious for these models. The MLIT also confirmed new instances of procedural irregularities following its inspection. In addition to the VTAs being revoked, Daihatsu was directed to file a report as soon as possible if a recall is required for two further models, the Daihatsu Cast and the Toyota Pixis Joy, if they did not meet the criteria.
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The rectification order issued by the ministry also requires Daihatsu to make fundamental reforms to its management, workplace environment, and culture which resulted in “wrongdoings” in particular crash safety tests done for regulatory approval applications for several models. Since then, Daihatsu has halted operations at its Japanese manufacturing facilities until at least the end of January 2024. In an official release, Daihatsu said:
“We have betrayed the trust of all our stakeholders including customers, and we would like to again convey our sincerest apologies for the great inconvenience that we have caused. We take very seriously the indications in the rectification order that we received at this time, and in addition to conducting a thorough review of our certification procedures, we will implement reforms from the perspectives of management, the workplace environment and culture, and appropriate monodukuri and kotodukuri with strict legal compliance as a fundamental premise.”
Meanwhile, Daihatsu’s parent company, Toyota, wrote in a separate release to issue its sincere apologies to all stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and dealers, for the inconvenience and concern that it has caused as a result of the procedural irregularities committed by Daihatsu. According to Toyota:
“Toyota will fully support Daihatsu not only in reviewing its certification operations but also in making fundamental changes in its corporate culture and management so that Daihatsu can once again be trusted and chosen as a company of choice,” read the release. Going forward, we will work with Daihatsu to carefully respond to the concerns of our customers, suppliers, and dealers in a courteous and polite manner. In addition, we will report on measures for revitalization and transformation to prevent recurrence and on the rectification order in about one month.”
Related: Daihatsu Faces Potential 100 Billion Yen Loss Amid Safety Test Scandal
Daihatsu’s faked safety tests were initially thought limited; they now appear to impact virtually its entire product line, forcing the shutdown of all its production facilities in Japan and jeopardizing the company’s reputation in all the markets in which it sells vehicles. Investigations indicate that improprieties stretch as far back as 1989, indicating a profound problem with the company’s culture.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
