Toyota diesel engines affected by irregularities resume production

Toyota has been in hot water as of late with emission-related irregularities on the diesel engines used by models such as the Hilux, Innova, Fortuner, and even the Land Cruiser 300.

A special investigation committee has discovered irregularities during engine horsepower output testing. It showed that the wrong ECU (electronic control unit) with different software, was used to make the results/values appear smoother and with less variation.

The transport ministry has since found out that the misconduct has resulted in several of Toyota's engines exceeding emission standards.

However, it looks like things are starting to get better. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has lifted the shipment suspension of affected Toyota diesel engines.

According to Toyota’s statement, Land Cruiser 300 production for overseas has already resumed along with domestic delivery, while shipment of the Hilux manufactured at Toyota Motor Thailand should resume on March 4. The Hiace manufactured in Japan, meanwhile, will also resume production on March 4.

“We, Toyota Motor Corporation, deeply apologize to our customers who have been waiting for a long time and to all other stakeholders for the significant inconvenience and concern this has caused,” said TMC.