Toyota has decided to temporarily suspend the despatch of its popular models, including the Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux, in India.
The reason behind this move is the discovery of irregularities in the certification testing of diesel engine horsepower. These three vehicles collectively account for almost a third of Toyota India’s sales, making this development significant for the automotive industry.
Unveiling the Irregularities
The irregularities in question revolve around the ‘smoothing’ of power and torque curves during the certification testing of the diesel engines.
Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), the entity responsible for developing Toyota’s diesel engines, reported that a special investigation committee identified these irregularities. Notably, this committee was established to probe potential certification irregularities.
Global Ramifications
Toyota Motor Corporation acknowledged that during certification testing, the horsepower output performance was measured using electronic control units (ECU) with software different from the one used in mass production.
This led to results appearing smoother with less variation, affecting ten models globally, including the Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux. While the irregularities don’t impact emissions or safety, the affected vehicles hold a crucial market share in India.
Toyota’s Response
A Toyota Kirloskar spokesperson clarified that despite the suspension of despatches, the company will continue production and accept orders for the Innova, Fortuner, and Hilux.
Vehicles already dispatched but not yet delivered will undergo a careful explanation of the condition before proceeding with registration and delivery.
Apology and Collaboration
In a statement, Toyota Kirloskar Motor expressed sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused and assured customers that the irregularities pose no threat to vehicle emissions or safety. The company is actively collaborating with relevant authorities to reconfirm the data used for certification.
Global Verification and Measures
Toyota Motor Corporation, in a comprehensive response, stated that it has reverified mass-produced products at the plant and confirmed that the affected engines and vehicles meet engine performance output standards.
While shipments of affected engines are temporarily suspended, Toyota plans to provide detailed explanations to authorities and take appropriate measures, including testing in the presence of witnesses.
Future Implications and Commitment
This episode may lead to a restructuring of the diesel engine business, requiring a change in mindset and a drastic reform of corporate culture. Toyota, as the responsible party, commits to supporting the revitalization of TICO’s engine business.
The company emphasizes the gravity of certification irregularities, recognizing the need for a profound change in its approach to business.