Japanese automaker Daihatsu has restarted part of its domestic production, more than a month after halting all factory operations due to a safety testing scandal. The Toyota-owned company’s Kyoto factory has resumed manufacturing the Probox van and Mazda-branded Familia van.
Resumption of production
Daihatsu is gradually resuming production, with plans to restart manufacturing 10 other models on February 26, following confirmation from the transport ministry that they meet safety regulations. This move comes after a hiatus prompted by revelations of safety test manipulation dating back to 1989, affecting 64 models, some of which were sold under the Toyota brand.
Scandal unfolds
The scandal unfolded in December when Daihatsu admitted to manipulating safety tests for several decades, leading to the suspension of domestic production and affecting various models, including those sold under the Toyota marque. This revelation raised serious concerns about the safety standards of Daihatsu vehicles and prompted swift action from regulatory authorities.
Manipulated safety tests
Daihatsu disclosed that it had been falsifying crash test results for four models since April, involving approximately 88,000 vehicles manufactured in Thailand and Malaysia between 2022 and 2023. This revelation further tarnished the company’s reputation and intensified scrutiny over its manufacturing processes.
Halting hybrid vehicle production
In May, Daihatsu halted the production of two hybrid vehicle models in Japan due to similar irregularities discovered in safety testing. This decision affected models like the Toyota Raize SUV, manufactured on behalf of its parent company, Toyota. The move aimed to address concerns over the safety and reliability of Daihatsu’s hybrid vehicles.
Road to recovery
The resumption of production marks a crucial step for Daihatsu as it seeks to rebuild trust with consumers and regulatory authorities. The company is expected to implement stringent measures to ensure compliance with safety standards and restore confidence in its vehicles.
Impact on Daihatsu’s reputation
The safety testing scandal has dealt a significant blow to Daihatsu’s reputation, raising questions about the integrity of its operations and the reliability of its vehicles. Rebuilding trust will be a formidable challenge for the company as it navigates the aftermath of the scandal and works towards regaining credibility in the automotive industry.
Regulatory oversight
The safety testing scandal has underscored the importance of robust regulatory oversight and transparency in the automotive sector. Regulatory authorities are likely to intensify scrutiny over safety testing procedures and impose stricter penalties on companies found to engage in fraudulent practices.
Consumer confidence
The scandal has also highlighted the critical role of consumer confidence in shaping the reputation and success of automakers. Daihatsu’s ability to address safety concerns, uphold transparency, and deliver high-quality vehicles will be pivotal in restoring consumer trust and loyalty.
Future outlook
As Daihatsu strives to overcome the repercussions of the safety testing scandal, its future trajectory will depend on its ability to implement corrective measures, adhere to regulatory requirements, and demonstrate a commitment to ethical business practices. The company’s response to the crisis will ultimately determine its standing in the competitive automotive market.