Toyota Hits the Brakes: Engine Test Trouble Halts 10 Models
The biggest carmaker in the world, Toyota Halts 10 Models of its truck and SUV models because of a mistake made by a company it owns. The mistake involved how they tested the engines in these vehicles. This latest snafu follows a string of recalls and production shutdowns in recent months, raising concerns about the company’s reputation and future direction.
Why Toyota halted these 10 models?
- A Toyota affiliate company specialized in testing engines used a special computer program to test the engines. This program made the engine’s power look smoother than it really is.
- Toyota says the engines still meet all safety and performance standards, and there’s no reason to stop driving the vehicles already sold.
- But, to be safe, they’ve stopped selling these 10 models until they can figure out what went wrong and fix it.
Which vehicles are affected?
- This includes popular models like the Hilux pickup truck and the Land Cruiser 300 SUV.
- Toyota hasn’t said exactly how many vehicles are affected but here is the list from its official statement.
Engine | Vehicle Name | Start of Sales | Company | Destination/Market |
1GD | LAND CRUISER PRADO | Aug. 2020 (Discontinued production) | Toyota Motor Corporation Hino Motors Ltd. | Japan, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia |
HIACE / GRANCE / BONGO BRAWNY VAN (MAZDA) | Dec. 2017 | TOYOTA AUTO BODY Co., Ltd. Gifu Auto Body Co., Ltd. TOYOTA AUTO BODY Co., Ltd. (Thailand) | Japan, Europe, Middle East, Asia | |
DYNA / DUTRO (Hino) | May 2021 | Hino Motors Ltd. | Japan, Asia | |
HILUX | May 2020 | Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. Toyota South Africa Motors (Pty) Ltd. Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (India) | Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa | |
FORTUNER | May 2020 | Same as above | Europe, Middle East, Asia | |
2GD | HILUX | May 2020 | Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd. | Japan |
INNOVA | July 2020 | Toyota Kirloskar Motor Private Ltd. (India) | Asia | |
F33A | LAND CRUISER 300 | Aug. 2021 | TOYOTA AUTO BODY Co., Ltd. | Japan, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa |
LX500d | Jan. 2022 | TOYOTA AUTO BODY Co., Ltd. | Europe, Middle East, Asia |
What happens now with Halted cars?
- The Japanese government is investigating what happened and could fine Toyota.
- Toyota’s leaders are apologizing for the mistake and promising to fix things.
Why is this a big deal to halt 10 models?
- This is a big blow to Toyota’s reputation as a reliable carmaker.
- They’re facing challenges from other car companies and new technologies like electric cars.
- Toyota needs to work hard to win back customers’ trust and keep up with the changing car market.
What does this mean for me?
If you’re considering buying one of the affected models, you’ll have to wait a while longer. It’s also worth keeping an eye on how Toyota responds to this latest challenge. Can they regain their customers’ trust and adapt to the changing car market?
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