Toyota Halts Daihatsu Shipments As Safety Test Scandal Widens

Toyota has suspended all shipments of vehicles it developed that are produced by subsidiary Daihatsu both in Japan and overseas.

Toyota Motor Corp. reportedly suspended all shipments of all vehicles it developed that are produced in Japan and overseas markets by subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co. yet again this week. This stems from the crash test-rigging scandal revealed back in April this year, and it seems said issue has widened.

This move to suspend shipping from its subsidiary follows on from the automaker’s recent submission of a report by an independent panel to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), as well as Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Back in April this year, Daihatsu admitted to rigging crash-test results for an array of DNGA-based models - Perodua Axia included.

Some 174 more “irregularities” in 25 test items were reportedly identified by said panel since April when suspected wrongdoings first emerged, says Toyota. “Fundamental reform” is needed to revitalize Daihatsu, admits the Japanese automaking giant.

Whilst the initial scandal saw just six models affected, this latest development is set to see no less than 64 models plus three engine series affected. These include ones both currently in production and still in development, as well as discontinued ones.

Moreover, the affected pool of vehicles aren’t just from the main Toyota and Daihatsu brands, or a specific platform. It now affects models supplied by both on an OEM basis to the Mazda and Subaru brands. Closer to home, this issue looks set to hamper efforts for national carmaker Perodua especially, as well as UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT).

Perodua also looks set to see its core DNGA-based products affected by this suspension, namely the Ativa, Alza, and new Axia.

DNGA-based models aside, the suspension is also poised to affect production and deliveries for other models like the Myvi, Bezza, Aruz, and 'old' Axia 1.0E MT (Axia Rahmah).

A list of vehicles affected by these newly discovered irregularities has been released by Daihatsu, and it includes models that make up the ENTIRE line-up for the Perodua brand.

Amongst them are both the ‘old’ Axia 1.0E (Axia Rahmah) and its subsequent DNGA-based replacement, DNGA-based models like the Ativa crossover and Alza MPV, the current Bezza compact sedan, the ever popular Myvi hatchback, as well as the Aruz 7-seat crossover.

Similarly, UMW Toyota Motor could see production and sales of DNGA-based models like the new Vios and Veloz, as well as non DNGA-based models like the Yaris and Rush affected.

Similarly, UMWT is set to see itself affected by this now widened issue. Amongst the affected Toyota models listed too include the Rush 7-seat crossover, Yaris hatchback, as well as the DNGA-based Vios sedan and Veloz MPV duo.

With shipments of these affected models suspended until further notice, we can likely expect production and sales figures for all brands involved to be affected, along with delivery times.

At the time of writing, neither Perodua nor UMWT have issued statements regarding the matter, but both firms are expected to do so sometime later today. Toyota Motor Corp. and Daihatsu Motor Co. are set host a live press conference in Japan around the same time.

We will have more on the matter as soon as details are released. Stay tuned for updates.