In the wake of a far-reaching safety testing scandal spanning several decades, Japanese automaker Daihatsu has ceased all domestic production. The Toyota-owned subsidiary, accused of manipulating safety tests dating back to at least 1989, shuttered its four Japanese plants, affecting around 9,000 factory workers.
The repercussions are anticipated to disrupt operations for over 8,000 affiliated companies nationwide. The safety testing irregularities extend to 64 models, including some marketed under the Toyota brand.
This follows Daihatsu’s admission in April of manipulated crash test results for four vehicles and the suspension of production for two hybrid models in May due to related concerns. The extensive safety data deception has now prompted Daihatsu to implement a comprehensive domestic shutdown amid escalating scrutiny.
