The Ministry of Transport of Japan intends to exert pressure on Toyota Industries, a division of the Toyota Motor Company, to recall diesel engine certificates issued in violation of the standing emission regulations, Nikkei reports.
In early 2024, the government authorities established that the company manipulated engine output and emission data to obtain certificates for a number of its diesel powertrains, including those installed on the latest Land Cruiser lineup. The automaker used non-stock ECU software when testing these cars to downplay the emissions. Most of the engines affected were produced for construction machinery and industrial loaders, but it has now been confirmed that some mass-market vehicles were affected, too.
Aside from a large fine and a recall campaign, Toyota Industries is now facing the need to devise a set of measures to eliminate every possibility of emission cheating in the future. Among other things, the certificates for all problematic engines may be recalled soon, meaning Toyota will be unable to produce any new engines until it straightens up its act.
Nikkei adds that it is unaware of any current cease-and-desist orders issued against mass-market Toyota cars or SUVs. The company still has some time left before the Ministry of Transport announces its verdict. It is expected to be made public before the end of February.