Production Activity Of Two Toyota Plants Back To Normal March 4 After The Diesel Machine Certification Scandal

Toyota HiAce. (Doc. Global Toyota)

Toyota has shocked the global automotive industry by acknowledging violations in the diesel engine certification process. As for what happened, it was an error in the implementation of standard operating procedures (SOP) at the internal Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) as Toyota's diesel engine supplier, as a result, so that some products had to be suspended during their production period.

Previously, the manufacturer decided to temporarily close two production lines at its Japanese factory, namely the Toyota Auto Body factory in Mie Prefecture, and Gifu Auto Body in Gifu Prefecture. However, now, production activities from the two factories will return to normal.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism (MLIT) has revoked the suspension period for diesel engine shipments produced by TICO, so Toyota has decided to continue production in its two factory lines starting March 4.

"In this regard, production will continue at all factories in Japan, and deliveries to domestic destinations will continue," Toyota wrote in its official statement, Thursday, February 29.

In addition, this automotive manufacturer will also provide support to TICO and will review the situation to ensure safety and quality are a top priority in its products.

"Toyota will continue to provide support to TICO to restore trust and revitalize its engine business," the company said in a statement.

The diesel engine manipulation case involved ten vehicles worldwide, including six of them from Japan, which were reportedly using this problematic machine.

There are three types of machines affected, ranging from 1GD used in the Land Cruiser Prado, HiAce, Hino Dyna, Hilux, to Fortuner models produced by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (TMMIN). In addition, 2GD and F33A machines were also affected, which were used in the Hilux, Innova, Land Cruiser 300, and Lexus LX500d models.