Toyota Recalls more than 50000 American vehicles.
Toyota, a major carmaker, faces significant challenges, including a “Do Not Drive” advisory for certain models due to defective Takata airbag inflators linked to over 30 deaths since 2009. The affected vehicles include the 2003-2004 Corolla, 2003-2004 Corolla Matrix, and 2004-2005 RAV4, making it the largest safety recall in automotive history, involving over 100 million products and 20 carmakers.
Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017, and its assets were acquired by Chinese-owned Key Safety Systems for approximately $1.6 billion.
Beyond the airbag issue, Toyota recently suspended shipments of certain vehicles due to irregularities in certification tests for diesel engines, revealing manipulation of horsepower output tests by Toyota Industries employees.
The affected engines are used in 10 global models, including the Hiace van and Land Cruiser SUV. Additionally, Toyota is addressing misconduct at subsidiary Daihatsu, which admitted to falsifying safety tests dating back over three decades.
Daihatsu’s headquarters were raided by Japan’s transport ministry, resulting in the revocation of certification for three models.
In response to these challenges, Toyota President Koji Sato acknowledged the pressure faced by workers to cut corners in the intensely competitive industry.
Sato admitted a lack of proper understanding of certification not only at the testing site but also within the management. Despite these issues, Toyota reported a record 11.2 million vehicle sales in 2023, maintaining its position as the world’s top-selling carmaker for the fourth consecutive year.
In contrast, its closest competitor, Volkswagen, sold 9.2 million vehicles in the same period.