MLIT revokes certification of select Toyota, Daihatsu, Mazda models

MANILA: Toyota announced that the Japanese Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) has officially revoked the model certification of select models from Toyota, Daihatsu, and Mazda. 

Based on a previous report, the said Japanese government agency was considering the revocation of the Toyota Town Ace truck (a relative of the Philippine-market Lite Ace), Daihatsu Gran Max, and Mazda Bongo after Toyota’s subsidiary company — who manufactures these models — was found guilty of using “improper methods” to pass certain safety testing requirements.

Just recently, the order to officially invalidate the certification of the aforementioned vehicles was issued.

“When model certification testing is conducted, fully developed vehicles and parts for mass production should be used so that customers can drive their vehicles with peace of mind. However, the airbags of the affected vehicles were tested without the use of mass-produced parts. We recognize that the severe measure of revocation was taken in light of the fact that the preconditions for certification testing were not followed,” Toyota said in a press release.

“We would like to express our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and concern this revocation will cause to all stakeholders, including customers who have been waiting for customization, suppliers, and dealers,” it wrote.

Toyota however clarified that the revocation will affect only new vehicles which have been shipped and sold.

Further, Daihatsu has conducted technical verification and safety confirmation and confirmed that the affected models meet safety performance standards.

On that note, customers who have bought, owned, and are already driving such vehicles can continue to use them “without any problem, and there will be no direct impact on vehicle inspections.”

“Together with Daihatsu, we will continue to sincerely address the concerns of our customers, suppliers, dealers, and all related parties. We will also take the revocation order from MLIT seriously and will work toward the revitalization and reform of Daihatsu,” the Japanese carmaker concluded.

Photos from Toyota

Also read:

Toyota and subsidiary Daihatsu reports discrepancies in crash testing of some models

Toyota to support Daihatsu in irregularity ordeal

Toyota, Daihatsu to suspend shipment of some models due to new discrepancies in safety testing