Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) has revealed that irregularities were found in horsepower output certification tests on three diesel engine models. Globally, 10 diesel engine models will be affected due to this, including six in Japan.
Following the announcement by TICO, which is affiliated with Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), the Toyota Kirloskar Motor suspended the dispatch of three of its models.
Which are the models whose dispatch were suspended in India?
The automaker revealed that the dispatch of Innova Crysta, Fortuner and Hilux models were suspended temporarily in India. Together, these models account for about 30 per cent of TKM's total sales in the country.
In a statement, a TKM spokesperson told PTI that the irregularities are regarding the smoothing of power and torque curves but “did not lead to any over-stating or over-claims on horsepower, torque or other powertrain related values."
The company clarified that the issue does not have any impact on the emissions or safety of the affected vehicles. "Toyota is working with relevant authorities to re-confirm the data used for the certification of the affected vehicles. As such, in case of TKM also the dispatch of affected vehicles will be temporarily suspended," it noted.
TKM said it will continue to accept new orders from customers who want to buy any of the three models. However, for cars that were already dispatched but not yet delivered to the customer, the automaker said it will inform the customers about the issue.
"Thereafter, we will proceed with registration and delivery for customers who opt to receive their vehicles," it added. "We would like to reassure our existing customers by stating that we believe their vehicles are unaffected by these irregularities, as this did not result in any variations in horsepower, torque or other powertrain-related values."
"Nevertheless, TKM sincerely apologises for any inconvenience and concern this irregularity may cause to our customers and other stakeholders," it added.