Last year, Toyota faced scrutiny from Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism (MLIT) due to discrepancies in its vehicle certification process. The company was found to be deviating from official certification protocols, with issues surfacing in 2023 when it was revealed that Daihatsu models had been altered to improve test outcomes.
In response, Toyota has put forward a detailed corrective strategy. The plan, which outlines multiple steps, appoints the Chief Technology Officer and Global Chief Quality Officer as the primary figures responsible for implementing changes.
The technology leader will oversee vehicle development decisions, while the quality officer will handle final certification approvals. The strategy includes enhanced communication at all levels to ensure everyone is informed of the necessary procedures. A Legal Supervisor will also be introduced to audit the processes and provide reports to the Chief Risk Officer to ensure compliance.
Toyota has acknowledged management shortcomings and pledged to rectify them. The company admitted, “In light of MLIT’s feedback, we recognize that management was not sufficiently involved in certification processes, and there are numerous areas requiring improvement, including data management and clearer procedural guidelines. We will review and refine our certification systems, promptly addressing any irregularities through coordinated efforts between management and on-site personnel.”
Initially, issues with Daihatsu, a brand within the Toyota Group, expanded to affect popular models like the Yaris Cross, Corolla Axio, and Corolla Fielder in Japan. Production was suspended earlier this year, but normal operations are expected to resume by September.