Hino Motors has been found to have committed additional wrongdoings related to applications for engine emissions certification, in addition to previously announced wrongdoings announced in March and August this year.
Hino halted shipments of medium- and large-sized trucks since the news first broke out in March of false data concerning its emissions and fuel efficiency tests. Hino has now also suspended shipments of the two-tonne Dyna which is currently on sale. Sales of the Toyoace model have already ended.
“We would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delay in the delivery of vehicles to customers whose orders have not yet shipped or who are considering the purchase of a vehicle,” Hino parent company Toyota said in a statement.
It said the findings identified this time do not impact driving functionality or pose any safety concerns.
In August, Hino announced extensive additional wrongdoings as an ‘overview of the misconduct’ resulting from a full investigation.
“We consider it an extremely grave matter that further wrongdoings have been found this time through an on-site inspection by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism,” said Akio Toyoda, president and representative director of Toyota Motor Corporation.
“As the parent company as well as a shareholder of Hino Motors Ltd., we are extremely disappointed that Hino has once again betrayed the expectations and trust of its stakeholders with the revelation of a new round of wrongdoings,” he said.
“Having continued a number of wrongdoings in the area of engine certification, Hino is now in a situation where it is questioned whether the company will be trusted by its stakeholders. Based on this recognition, we will closely watch whether Hino can be reborn as a company worthy of the trust of its stakeholders.”