Toyota Halts Global Shipments of 10 Vehicles Due to Diesel Engine Testing Error
Toyota has announced a halt in the global shipments of 10 vehicles after discovering that an affiliate mishandled the testing of diesel engines used in the automobiles. This latest issue adds to a string of embarrassing problems for the world’s biggest automaker in recent months.
The problem arose when a Toyota affiliate used software to measure the horsepower output of the diesel engines, making the values appear smoother with less variation. While the vehicles still meet engine output standards, the company has decided to temporarily cease shipments of the 10 affected models, which include the popular Hilux pickup truck and the Land Cruiser 300 SUV.
This setback comes on the heels of a series of recalls and production shutdowns for Toyota. In December, the company recalled about 1 million vehicles in the United States due to an airbag issue and reported that the Japanese government was investigating its subsidiary, Daihatsu, for safety problems dating back decades.
In a similar chain of events, Daihatsu has also announced a stop in the shipments of all its models due to safety-inspection irregularities, recalling 320,000 vehicles and keeping its production facilities closed.
The testing problems have prompted Toyota to acknowledge the gravity of the situation, as the company faces significant challenges in keeping up with changing consumer preferences and global efforts to reduce the burning of fossil fuels.
Toyota’s history as a leader in automotive manufacturing efficiency in the 1970s has been overshadowed by the company’s struggles to adapt to the evolving automotive landscape. With China surpassing Japan as the world’s largest exporter of cars, Toyota and other Japanese auto companies are navigating a new era of competition and regulation.
This recent development serves as a reminder of the significant impact that testing issues and recalls can have on even the most established automotive companies, highlighting the need for rigorous and transparent quality control processes in the industry.