Not long after the problem with Daihatsu and the stoppage of shipment of ten Toyota models, a new problem has arisen with the Japanese brand - which is the leading seller of cars in the world.
According to Toyota's own announcement, the problem is the “insufficient data in pedestrian and passenger protection tests for three production models (Corolla Fielder / Axio and Yaris Cross) and errors in crash tests".
In the same announcement, the firm states that it is proceeding to “temporary suspension of shipments and sales of three models currently produced in Japan (Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross), effective today".
Toyota's announcement
"Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) investigated the certification applications of its models in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on January 26 this year.
Although the investigation is still ongoing, seven models, including some already discontinued since 2014, were tested using methods that differed from government standards, and we reported this to MLIT on May 31.
The model certification applications in question concern insufficient data in pedestrian and occupant protection tests for three production models (Corolla Fielder / Axio and Yaris Cross) and errors in crash tests and other test methods for four discontinued models (Crown, Isis, Sienta and RX).
We sincerely apologize for any concern or inconvenience this may cause to customers and stakeholders who have placed their trust in Toyota. We take seriously that the problem was discovered at Toyota following the recent discovery of certification issues at Hino Motors, Ltd. and Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. and Toyota Industries Corporation.
After extensive internal verifications on the affected vehicles, including those that are no longer in production, we can confirm that there are no performance issues that violate laws and regulations. Therefore, there is no reason to stop using the affected vehicles.
However, in light of these findings, we have taken steps to temporarily stop shipments and sales of three models currently produced in Japan (Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross), effective today. We will continue to provide detailed explanations to the authorities and expedite appropriate measures, including conducting tests in the presence of witnesses.
In January of this year, we announced the Toyota Group Vision, “Inventing our way forward, together”. We will continue to work on building “better and better cars” in a genba where workers are empowered, which is a unique Toyota corporate culture.
Again, we sincerely apologize to our customers and stakeholders."
The issue only concerns vehicle safety certification in Japan. Therefore, vehicles produced in Europe and intended for the European market, including Cyprus, are not affected. Customers who have cars from its Cypriot dealership Toyota or expect to receive vehicles they have ordered, need not worry.
