Toyota Fortuner, Innova Crysta, And Hilux Deliveries Halted in India; Here's Why

Toyota announced that Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) had received a report from the special investigation committee, chaired by Hiroshi Inoue, to investigate potential irregularities in certification regulations related to improper domestic emissions certification of engines for forklifts and construction machinery. Toyota hired TICO to create diesel engines for cars. The body decided to temporarily halt the delivery of the impacted engines in light of this. Additionally, Toyota opted to halt the dispatch of cars with the impacted engines for now. Ten car models—including the Fortuner, the Innova, the Hilux, the Land Cruiser 300, and Lexus LX500d—are employing the impacted engines across the globe. Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM), the Japanese carmaker's Indian subsidiary, has stopped delivering the Fortuner, Innova, and Hilux as a result. The manufacturer also mentioned that it is collaborating with the appropriate authorities to verify the information that was utilised to certify the affected cars.

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The Issue

According to the investigation, there were anomalies in the horsepower output testing done to certify three diesel engine models for cars that Toyota had contracted with TICO. To assess results and make values “appear smoother with less variation”, the engines' horsepower output performance was tested during certification using ECUs with software different from that used for mass production units. The impacted engines and cars fulfill engine performance output norms, the company said, adding that it has e-verified the mass-produced goods manufactured at the factory. It further stated that there is no requirement to cease using the impacted engines or automobiles. 

Which Models Have Been Affected?

The investigation has identified three diesel engines that have been impacted: the 2.4-litre Innova Crysta, the 2.8-litre Hilux and Fortuner, and the 3.3-litre Land Cruiser models. The unfortunate news is that not only are these cars available for purchase in our country, but so are vehicles worldwide that use these engines. Nevertheless, the firm claims that these vehicles are still safe for the road and may be used for regular daily commuting. 

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The Next Step

Until further notice, Toyota has decided to temporarily halt the supply of these engines and models. Moreover, to win back the trust of consumers and other stakeholders as a manufacturer deserving of certification, TICO has notified Toyota that they would begin by giving thorough explanations to authorities regarding these findings and moving forward with initiatives under their direction. Furthermore, Toyota will continue to support TICO's reconstruction by participating in all company-wide initiatives and closely examining the circumstances to make sure that quality and safety come first.

To ensure that consumers may drive their cars with confidence, certification entails having national authorities evaluate and verify in advance that automobiles adhere to several requirements. "We consider the appropriate process of certification to be a major prerequisite for doing business as an automobile manufacturer," the statement from the brand read. It seems that Toyota is still working to find a definitive solution to the current problem. Customers may accept vehicles that are ready for dispatch as-is, but prospective purchasers will presently have to wait longer to get their hands on their car.