The Japanese government says Toyota has manipulated crash tests, including using car parts other than those used for mass production. Now seven more models are covered.
In June, the Toyota group found itself in a storm when extensive cheating with crash tests was revealed. Now the Japanese car manufacturer has once again been reprimanded by the country’s government due to cheating with certification and with crash tests. Now it appears that more models than previously stated are covered, reports Reuters.
A total of 14 models, including the Toyota Harrier and Lexus LM, are covered. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism states that Toyota did not follow the government’s instructions when conducting crash tests and other tests.
Among other things, Toyota has used other car parts in the tests than those intended for mass production and they have also manipulated data in crash tests.
According to the ministry, six of the seven new models have also been certified in both Great Britain and Belgium. Ministries have therefore asked the corresponding authorities in the countries to ensure the safety of the models.
– We were too optimistic during the internal investigation, says Toyota CEO Koji Sato.
He also said the company is urgently devising measures to prevent a future recurrence.
The ministry has imposed a delivery ban for three models: Toyota Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio and Yaris Cross. Toyota has also stopped production of the models.
