Hino Motors admits misconduct in emissions-related testing

An investigation report by Hino Motors’ (a truckmaker under the Toyota Group) has found evidence of misconduct in emissions-related due processes and reporting. The report by the firm’s special investigation committee has found misconduct related to durability tests for models for on-road and off-road engines at the time of the 2003 as well as 2011 regulations. A key finding from the investigation was “false reporting in response to a request by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in 2016 calling for Hino to report whether any misconduct occurred during emissions/fuel efficiency tests conducted before applying for certification”. The company said it was taking steps to prevent a recurrence of these events. According to the firm: “While fully cooperating with the special investigation committee’s investigation, Hino has been drafting and implementing new recurrence prevention measures to address the issues that have been found, as well as enhancing existing controls. In relation to development and certification structures and processes, Hino is implementing comprehensive measures to prevent misconduct and the outflow of noncompliant products into the market.”