Fallout from Japan’s car testing scandal spreads, ensnares Honda
How does the Japanese certification system work, and why is it significant for car manufacturers before they can sell their models?
The Japanese certification system is a crucial process that assesses whether a vehicle meets safety and other requirements before it can be sold. Japanese carmakers must ensure that a new model undergoes proper certification for safety and environmental performance and inform the ministry of the certification without the need for external inspections. This certification system serves as the foundation for car buyers' confidence in their purchasing decisions, guaranteeing that the vehicles they purchase meet the necessary safety and performance standards.
The significance of this certification system for car manufacturers lies in the fact that it directly impacts their reputation and sales. By adhering to the certification standards, manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to safety, quality, and compliance with regulations. However, as seen in recent scandals involving multiple Japanese automakers, any discrepancies in the certification testing process can lead to a loss of consumer trust, negatively affecting sales and brand reputation.
In the wake of the recent testing scandal, Japanese automakers have been under scrutiny for not following domestic rules, even though they were making cars that exceeded the Japanese standards required. The controversy highlights the need for a more transparent and globally aligned certification system that ensures the highest safety and performance standards are met, while also maintaining consumer confidence in the industry.
What discrepancies have been discovered in the car certification testing process at companies like Daihatsu Motor and Toyota Industries?
Discrepancies in the car certification testing process at companies like Daihatsu Motor and Toyota Industries involve improper procedures and manipulation of collision safety test results. These issues have led to the revocation of certification for some vehicle models and a widening scandal that has also affected other Japanese automakers, such as Honda and Mazda. In total, 38 models by Honda, Toyota, Yamaha, and Suzuki were found to have not undergone proper certification for safety and environmental performance. The Japanese government has been investigating these testing irregularities, which have been compared to the 'dieselgate' emissions debacle that hit German car giant Volkswagen in 2015.
What specific violations were Japanese car manufacturers found guilty of in the recent car testing scandal?
Japanese car manufacturers were found guilty of several violations in the recent car testing scandal. These violations included:
- Inadequate or outdated data used in collision tests.
- Incorrect testing of airbag inflation and rear-seat damage in crashes.
- Falsification of engine power tests.
- Use of incorrect engine control software in tests.
- Tampering with crash tests by using timers to set off airbags during frontal collision tests instead of relying on an on-board sensor to detect a hit.
These violations were found in applications for safety certificates for multiple models across five major carmakers in the country, including Toyota, Mazda, Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha5. However, none of the violations were found to affect the safety of the vehicles already on the roads.