Toyota’s safety scandal- FT article

[Grumps]

Well would you believe it?

https://www.ft.com/content/828110d5-056d-4bad-9d6a-1b9cca1a5ba3

Wonder which Lexus model they refer to.

[Grumps]

 

  FT 3rd June 2024

For those having trouble accessing this article-

What is worse for a carmaker’s reputation: rigging emissions tests or collision safety tests?

A Japanese government investigation has found that Toyota Motors falsified data and skirted impact-safety tests for seven past and current vehicles, adding to the scandal engulfing the automaker. A decade after rival Volkswagen’s emissions scandal, where it admitted fitting cars with devices to help beat official tests, its reputation has yet to fully recover.

Safety, you would think, is of more immediate interest to the drivers of cars on the road than emissions data. And for Toyota, this widening controversy puts at risk a key opportunity to capture market share around the world.

Japan’s transport ministry said on Monday that Toyota submitted faulty data during pedestrian-safety tests for three current models, and used modified test vehicles for collision-safety tests for some past models. Toyota admitted it had provided inadequate data in occupant and pedestrian protection tests for some models including one sold under the Lexus luxury brand. It has temporarily halted shipments and sales of three cars made in Japan.

This is a reputational nightmare. The latest findings come soon after other similar scandals. In January, Toyota Industries Corp suspended all engine shipments after an investigation revealed it had falsified power-output figures. Last year, its wholly owned subsidiary Daihatsu was found to have distorted collision safety test results, dating back as far as 1989. In 2022 another subsidiary, Hino Motors, said it had systematically falsified emissions data, dating back as far as 2003.

This latest scandal has hit after Toyota posted a record profit for the year to March driven by an unexpected surge in its hybrid car sales. It reaped the rewards of its reputation as a hybrid pioneer: nearly 40 per cent of its sales in April were petrol-electric hybrids. Awkwardly, the company uses its safety features — including its pre-collision detection and driver-assist systems which it markets as features designed to protect drivers and passengers — as key selling points for its cars.

Toyota shares are down 14 per cent from a March peak. Yet even after the decline, its shares trade at more than 10 times forward earnings, at nearly triple the valuation of German rival VW.

Its troubles don’t appear to be over yet. Officials will be carrying out an onsite investigation of Toyota’s headquarters this week. There is a limit to how often a company can pledge to tighten oversight before it loses credibility with investors and customers alike.

 

[wivenhoe]

1 hour ago, Grumps said:

Well would you believe it?

https://www.ft.com/content/828110d5-056d-4bad-9d6a-1b9cca1a5ba3

Wonder which Lexus model they refer to.

I’ve just read that it’s the 4th generation RX 

[GSLV6]

🤨

 

That might well explain the campaign now doing the rounds asking owners to contact their dealer for details of a "voluntary customer service campaign or outstanding safety recall".

That's why a few on here have checked with Lexus UK who confirm as such, yet dealership service teams have been told nothing.....yet!

You couldn't make it up.

[lexusbro]

On 6/4/2024 at 5:45 PM, wivenhoe said:

I’ve just read that it’s the 4th generation RX 

It's concerning to hear about safety issues, thanks for sharing. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of drivers and passengers.

[steve2006]

So basically Toyota have allegedly fiddled the figures, been found out then issued a recall that no one seems to know about to have the car checked to ensure it is safe to drive after being stolen due to CanBus venerability.

You couldn’t make this up!

[GSLV6]

They now have major issues State-side with Tundra and LS V6 engines.  A recall's being issued due to machine debris being found in the engines causing high wear/engine failure.  Looks like a short or even long block engine replacement's on the cards for those models.  Not quite the image they're shooting for.  Everyone make's mistakes so how they deal with these things is what matters to customers.  Current record on canbus scandal is too little too late for many people.  The impression this sets for potential new customers isn't good and many old customers are saying they won't buy another, myself included. 

I don't like the newer IL4 engines except on the ES which they suit better but that's being discontinued which is a real shame as it was a worth successor to the GS.  Interiors have compromises for cheaper manufacture and big touch screen is definitely not one I like.  The simplicity of my 3RX kept it as a high quality utilitarian car which was reliable.  The 4RX has a nicer interior (preferable to the 5th gen imho) and at least retains lots of buttons and easy to access menus but has lost some practicality with a motorised only boot lift (you can disable it but have to fight against the motor and gear), less practical load space and poorer visibility.  For all that I still like it.  Less so the 5th gen I got to drive.  No hinged door buckets just a useless small load tray, horrible to use (again imho) touch screen with no climate buttons which is a PITA...just cheaper ways of manufacturing yet sell for more than 4th Gen, and with the inferior IL4 engine.  Who are they trying to kid at their current pricing?

[Linas.P]

Could not care less for pedestrian safety, in fact I would pay extra if features like exploding hood hinges would be removed from my car. So if the scandal is about pedestrian safety, then I am unmoved.

Passenger safety - yes that it important.