Toyota to resume Japan production following safety tampering scandal
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Toyota has announced the resumption of activity in four out of its six production lines in Japan.
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A Toyota sign is seen on a dealership, Thursday, August 17, 2023, in Kennesaw, Georgia, United States. (AP)
Global top car seller Toyota has announced that production will resume as of February 13, following minor suspensions of four manufacturing lines spread across three Japanese factories due to the manufacturer tampering with test results of its diesel engines.
Japanese outlet Kyodo News reported the announcement, adding that two other manufacturing lines will remain inactive, without indications as to when production will resume.
In December, six production lines were shut after Toyota's engine manufacturer, Toyota Industries Corporation, manipulated test results, affecting operations and halting them. Production was due to resume on February 1, but was postponed several times.
Read more: Toyota to cut global production plan by 100,000 units
Toyota recalls 50,000 of its cars
In recent months, Toyota faced a series of issues. Just last week, Toyota recalled at least 50,000 cars due to dysfunctional airbags that could endanger drivers' lives.
According to Toyota, older models have older airbags, which could be defective. The company explained that the airbag compartment, which is equipped with Takata airbags, could explode and blast sharp fragments that cause injuries or could even be fatal.
"Owners SHOULD NOT DRIVE these vehicles until the FREE safety recall repair has been conducted," Toyota stressed. It advised drivers to contact their car dealer and arrange a meeting to get the airbag department fixed.
Moreover, to encourage drivers to actually go through with the recommendation and not endanger their lives, Toyota suggested that mechanics could go to the car's location and fix it there, or the car could be towed to the dealership, at the company's expense.
