ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA – Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, apologized to the public for errors in car production.
There were six car production errors that made Toyota immediately stop their factory activities in Japan.
The apology was made by Akio Toyoda together with Shinji Miyamoto, Customer First Promotion Group Chief Officer of Toyota Motor Corporation as stated in an official statement, Monday, June 3 2024.
In that statement, Akio Toyoda said that on January 26 2024 they had received instructions from the Japanese Ministry of Transport to carry out an investigation into several cars made by Toyota. In total there are 7 cars which according to the Japanese Ministry of Transport were not produced according to regulatory requirements.
“It is indicated that 7 models have been produced since 2014. It turns out that these models were produced using methods that do not meet the standards set by local authorities,” explained Akio Toyoda.
“As a responsible party in the Toyota Group, I would like to apologize to the public and various parties who care about the automotive industry,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Shinji Miyamoto explained in detail 6 production errors involving 7 cars made by Toyota.
First, crash test errors were carried out on the Toyota Isis and Toyota Crown cars produced in 2014 and 2016. At that time, Toyota employees deliberately made special developments on the seat belts in the two cars to increase safety.
“During testing, a special method was carried out to produce a heavier impact when a collision occurred compared to existing methods. We then released the results for certification,” explained Shinji Miyamoto.
Second, an error occurred during testing of the 2015 Toyota Corolla. Toyota engineers took the initiative to innovate by carrying out crash tests at a different angle from existing regulations. Instead of carrying out a crash test at a 60 degree angle. Even though a crash angle of 50 degrees is enough.
“The larger angle was chosen because it would have a bigger impact,” explained Shinji Miyamoto.
Unfortunately, this actually violates established regulations.
Third, a fatal error occurred when Toyota carried out a pedestrian crash test on the 2015 Toyota Corolla Axio, Toyota Fielder, Toyota Sienta and Toyota Crown. At that time, testers from Toyota carried out a pedestrian crash test on the left side of the car. At that time, testing should have been carried out on both sides. Unfortunately, the testers from Toyota averaged the crash test results they got.
“It was confirmed at that time that there was no difference in testing from the left and right sides,” complained Shinji Miyamoto.
Fourth, an error occurred when carrying out a rear crash test on two cars, namely the 2015 Toyota Sienta and the 2014 Toyota Crown. The test was carried out using a special moving tool that was heavier than usual to get a stronger impact. At that time the equipment used weighed 1.8 tons. According to Shinji Miyamoto, the tool is heavier than the standard, namely 1.1 tons.
“This should also be tested again immediately with special equipment whose weight is according to regulations, namely 1.1 tonnes,” stressed Shinji Miyamoto.
Fifth, an error occurred in testing the 2020 Toyota Yaris Cross model year. The testing process was carried out to determine the impact that occurred in the trunk when the collision occurred.
Shinji Miyamoto said the new regulations stipulate certain sizes of items in luggage when testing is carried out. Unfortunately, the items used for testing the Toyota Yaris Cross actually followed the previous rules.
“This must be tested again using items that comply with the new regulations,” complained Shinji Miyamoto.
Sixth, a testing error occurred in the 2015 Lexus RX. This error was related to engine power settings. It turns out that the engine power target was not achieved according to regulatory standards. Unfortunately, this failure was eliminated and production continued.
“When this happens, the production stage should not continue. Unfortunately the control system is set in such a way that certification can be obtained,” explained Shinji Miyamoto.
These six mistakes made Toyota finally stop production of all the cars involved.
Akio Toyoda said that even though there was a production error, he guaranteed that all the cars would not harm their owners. It’s just that he is very disappointed because production errors continue to occur in the Toyota group.
Previously, Akio Toyoda had apologized for production errors made by members of the Toyota group, namely Hino and Daihatsu.
“The affected cars are still safe for customers to drive. It’s just that this problem bothers us because it violates certification standards, which should not happen in our company,” explained Akio Toyoda. (ATN)
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