Daihatsu Implements Measures to Prevent Test Fraud Recurrence
In response to recent allegations of vehicle safety testing fraud, Daihatsu Motor Co. has swiftly taken action to prevent any recurrence of such misconduct. The company's president, Soichiro Okudaira, submitted a comprehensive report outlining preventive measures to Transport Minister Tetsuo Saito on Friday.
The proposed measures include extending vehicle development periods by 40% and significantly bolstering personnel dedicated to safety tests, with plans to increase their number sevenfold by June.
Additionally, Daihatsu aims to foster a culture of transparency and accountability within the organization by promoting personnel exchanges among divisions, fostering an open atmosphere conducive to integrity and compliance.
"We want to implement recurrence prevention measures firmly and make the company capable of doing its job properly," affirmed President Okudaira during discussions with the minister.
This move follows an order issued by the Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Ministry on January 16, directing Daihatsu to rectify its practices under the road transport vehicle law and to report on prevention measures within a month's time. As part of broader efforts to address the issue, Toyota Motor Corp., Daihatsu's parent company, plans to restructure the management of Daihatsu, with an official announcement expected in the coming week.
In a separate development, Daihatsu officials announced that its subsidiary, Daihatsu Motor Kyushu Co., will resume production of ten models, including the popular Mira e:S, at its Nakatsu plant in Oita Prefecture. This decision comes after the Ministry confirmed the safety of these models. Notably, three of these models are supplied to Toyota, underscoring the significance of Daihatsu's operations within the broader automotive industry.
As Daihatsu takes proactive measures to address concerns and restore trust, stakeholders will closely monitor the effectiveness of these initiatives and the broader implications for the company's future operations and reputation.
