Toyota admitió hoy que hizo trampa en las pruebas de choque de la nueva generación del Yaris (leer más). La marca japonesa reconoció que modificó las puertas de este modelo para obtener mejores resultados en los crash tests que otorgan una calificación sobre su nivel de seguridad. El escándalo de la revelación desencadenó un pedido de disculpas del ex CEO y actual presidente del directorio de Toyota Motor Corporation, Akio Toyoda.
El fraude con el nuevo Yaris se perpetró en las plantas de Malasia, Tailandia e Indonesia que controla Daihatsu, subsidiaria de Toyota en Asia. La empresa reconoció que hay más de 88 mil vehículos que recibieron refuerzos especiales en las puertas, para que obtuvieran un mejor resultado en los crash tests en caso de que fueran seleccionados para los crash tests de organismos independientes, como GlobalNCAP. El resto de las unidades producidas no recibieron estos refuerzos. El escándalo afecta también a los Perodua Axias, un modelo similar al Yaris que se vende en Malasia.
El fraude consistió en modificar las puertas añadiendo una muesca fuera del plan de producción, lo que reforzaba la estructura para evitar que la puerta se rompiera en caso de un impacto lateral. Esta modificación sólo estuvo presente en los autos que se usaron para las pruebas de homologación con organismos gubernamentales y ante entidades de seguiridad independientes. La mayoría de los autos que salieron a la venta no cuentan con este refuerzo.
Al confirmarse el engaño, Akio Toyoda realizó un pedido de disculpas en público: "A partir de ahora llevaremos a cabo una investigación detallada, pero prometemos encarar con decisión lo que ocurrió en la planta, investigar las verdaderas intenciones y trabajar sinceramente para evitar que vuelva a ocurrir", dijo Toyoda en un comunicado de prensa oficial (leer completo abajo).
Según el ejecutivo, Toyota estaba investigando cómo se alteraron los paneles laterales del Yaris y otros modelos para las pruebas de seguridad, lo cual calificó como una "violación inaceptable" a la confianza de los consumidores. Informó que, hasta ahora, no se recibieron informes de accidentes o lesiones relacionados con una colisión lateral.
Las fábricas de Daihatsu descubrieron el fraude tras una denuncia interna, que paralizó las entregas de los Yaris y Axias. Los modelos afectados estaban listos para ser vendidos en Asia, Medio Oriente, México y Ecuador. Daihatsu informó que solicitó a las autoridades reguladoras que vuelvan a realizar el proceso de homologación del nuevo Yaris para que prueben unidades sin adulteraciones, con el objetivo de analizar la necesidad de realizar modificaciones en el diseño original del auto que llegará a los consumidores finales.
La crisis con el nuevo Yaris se produce a sólo un mes de Akio Toyoda se retirara de la presidencia de la compañía, para ocupar el cargo de titular del directorio (leer nota). Este caso sólo afecta a unidades correspondientes a la nueva generación del Yaris. Los modelos Yaris comercializados en la Argentina son de antigua generación y no pertenecen a ese grupo. Existen planes para producir la nueva generación del Yaris en la planta brasileña de Sorocaba, para abastecer a todo el Mercosur, pero todavía no hay fechas de producción ni de lanzamiento oficial.
Notas relacionadas
Fuente: Reuters
Comunicado de prensa de Toyota Motor Corporation
Chairman Toyoda Comments on Daihatsu's Announcement of Side Impact Test Wrongdoing
Announcement
It has come to light that Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) has been found to have committed wrongdoing in the side impact test of its vehicles for overseas markets. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and concern this may cause to our customers, dealers, and other concerned parties who are currently using these vehicles.
Comments from Akio Toyoda, Toyota Chairman of the Board
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.'s wrongdoing is a matter that concerns safety, which is the most important aspect of vehicles. We consider this an absolutely unacceptable act that betrays the trust of our customers. We would like to sincerely apologize to our customers around the world and all related parties for the inconvenience and concern this has caused.
Since this problem occurred with a Toyota brand passenger car, we believe that the problem is not limited to Daihatsu. We will begin by conducting a detailed investigation and thoroughly collecting facts to understand the situation, determine the true cause, and work diligently to prevent a recurrence. We will also inform the public in a timely manner regarding the facts we learn through our investigations.
I personally promised our customers that Toyota would not run away, lie, or distort the truth during the recall crisis in 2009. Nevertheless, we find it to be a serious matter that such a problem has occurred at one of our group companies.
As the top executive officer, President Sato will take responsibility for improving the car manufacturing operations of Toyota and the group companies, while I, as the Chairman of the Board and with my recall issue experience, will lead initiatives for governance and compliance. The Toyota Group as a whole will do its utmost to regain the trust of our customers as soon as possible.
Comunicado de prensa de Toyota Motor Corporation
Regarding Wrongdoings by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. in Approval Application for Side Collision Tests
Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (Daihatsu) has confirmed that it has committed wrongdoings in approval application for side collision tests for vehicles (4 models) developed by Daihatsu destined for overseas markets.
We deeply apologize for betraying the trust of our customers and other stakeholders and for causing great inconvenience and concern.
1．Background
Regarding the wrongdoings that was reported internally in April this year, we conducted the following investigation and confirmed that it took place as reported.
(1) Interview survey of the department in charge and related departments suspected of committing wrongdoings
(2) Vehicle inspection
(3) Development history such as design change history and test results in the development process
2．Overview of confirmation
Daihatsu has confirmed that in the side collision tests of the following vehicles, the inside lining of the front seat door was improperly modified, and that there was a violation of the side collision test procedures and methods stipulated by regulations.
Subject vehicle models
Roles of Toyota and Daihatsu with regard to subject vehicles
Daihatsu carries out the entire process from development through to passing the necessary certification tests based on the OEM supply agreement and joint development agreement between Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Daihatsu.
Toyota then applies for approval of the vehicle type from authorities, and after receiving the necessary approval, sells them under the Toyota brand.
3．The company’s actions and impact on subject vehicles
The wrongdoing was promptly reported to and consulted with the inspection and certification authorities after it was discovered, and shipments were suspended in the countries in which approval had been granted after discussions with Toyota.
In addition, while reporting to and consulting with the inspection and certification authorities, we have confirmed and reported that it conforms to laws and regulations in in-house re-tests using proper parts.
In the future, we will re-test in the presence of inspection and certification authorities, and if it is confirmed that the side impact performance complies with regulations, we will resume shipment.
4．For customers
We will strive to resume shipments of vehicles for which shipments will be suspended, while receiving guidance from the inspection and certification authorities. At this time, there is no need for customers using these models to take any action for continued use.
5．To prevent recurrence
In addition to the internal investigative committee that has conducted investigations so far, we have established an independent third-party committee to elucidate the details of this matter, analyze the root cause, and compile measures to prevent recurrence accordingly.
We will inform you again after the report from the third-party committee.