Toyota investigation finds no additional wrongdoing in certification process

Toyota Motor has concluded its investigation into the certification applications of its car models and has not found any new cases of wrongdoing beyond what was previously reported last month. The Japanese automaker confirmed that it has shared its findings with Japan’s transport ministry, covering the certification process for all domestic models over the past decade.

Earlier in June, Toyota, along with four other automakers, acknowledged errors in the data submitted for vehicle certification. This revelation came after the transport ministry mandated industry-wide audits following a safety test scandal involving Toyota’s Daihatsu compact car unit.

Moving forward, Toyota remains committed to implementing corrective measures in accordance with the guidance provided by the transport ministry. The completion of the investigation was delayed initially due to the need for a thorough examination of issues related to vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency during the certification process.

In the wake of the Daihatsu scandal, Toyota experienced a decline in shareholder support for Chairman Akio Toyoda, with only 72% approval at the annual general meeting. This marked a record low, with two proxy advisers recommending a vote against his re-election due to governance concerns.

It is imperative for automotive companies to uphold strict compliance standards in the certification process to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles. Toyota’s proactive approach to addressing these issues underscores its commitment to transparency and accountability in the automotive industry.