Due To Vehicle Data Counterfeiting Scandal, Japanese Authorities Check Honda And Mazda Headquarters

Honda Freed 2010. (Doc. Honda Global)

JAKARTA - Japan's automotive industry has been plagued by scandals by a number of manufacturers, including Mazda Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. Recently, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism (MLIT) inspected the headquarters of these two companies.

Officials said local authorities would decide whether to impose administrative penalties to prevent it from happening again after the examination.

According to Kyodo News, Tuesday, June 11, the ministry will revoke orders to suspend shipments after ensuring that the affected models are able to meet environmental safety and performance standards. However, they urge companies that do not comply with the requirements to make a recall.

Previously, Honda was involved in a case of falsified data reporting involving as many as 22 previous models of production between 2009 and 2017. The manufacturer also emphasized that no current model was affected.

Meanwhile, Mazda was involved in irregularities in the hit and engine output tests for five models, with two current models such as the MX-5 Roadster RF and Mazda2 temporarily suspended deliveries in Japan.

This scandal not only impacts the image of each manufacturer, but also raises questions about the vehicle certification testing system in Japan.

In some cases, technicians actually make testing conditions heavier than regulatory standards. This is done solely to increase trust in vehicle security.

A professor specializing in the Tokyo Metropolitan firm Ken Shiraishi, said it was important to make regular regulatory changes in line with rapid technological advances.

"There is a lack of dialogue between regulators and the automotive industry that causes this to happen," said Shiraishi.

Meanwhile, three other companies, Toyota Motor Corp., Yamaha Motor Co., and Suzuki Motor Corp. also faced an investigation at their respective headquarters last week carried out by local authorities.