Toyota Halts Production Amid Admissions of Vehicle Testing Manipulation

Toyota's Chairman Akio Toyoda has apologized for the company's involvement in cheating on certification tests for seven vehicles. The faulty testing involved incorrect assessments of airbag inflation and rear-seat damage in crashes. As a result, Toyota suspended production in Japan of three models: Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross. The Japanese Transport Ministry discovered that not only Toyota but also Honda, Mazda, and Yamaha submitted incorrect or manipulated safety test data. The ministry forced the companies to halt shipments of some vehicles as a consequence. This revelation comes after the ministry requested automakers investigate their certification applications.