Toyota Resumes Dispatch of Innova Crysta, Hilux, and Fortuner in India Post Diesel Engine Clarification

Key Highlights

• Toyota Kirloskar Motors resumes dispatch of Innova Crysta, Hilux, and Fortuner.
• Temporary suspension due to diesel engine irregularities clarified.
• Transparent communication with customers.
• Irregularities linked to horsepower certification testing.
• Engines re-confirmed to meet Indian regulations.
• Dispatch halted on January 29, 2024, now resumed.
• Less impactful compared to Daihatsu's fraudulent crash testing scandals.
• Toyota pledges systematic changes in Daihatsu for transparent administration.

After facing a series of controversies related to diesel engine irregularities, Toyota Kirloskar Motors has resumed the dispatch of its popular models – Innova Crysta MPV, Hilux pickup truck, and Fortuner SUV. The temporary suspension, initiated on January 29th, 2024, was a strategic move by the company to address concerns and conduct thorough investigations.

Also Read: Toyota Pauses Innova Crysta, Fortuner, Hilux Deliveries in India Due to Certification Issues

Dispatch Resumes with Transparency

While the dispatch from the factory to dealerships was briefly halted, the units already dispatched to dealerships before the revelation of the diesel engine controversy were delivered to customers with transparent communication. This ensured that customers were informed about the situation, maintaining the company's commitment to openness.

Certification Irregularities and Investigation

The irregularities in question pertained to the certification of horsepower in three diesel engines developed by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO) under the commission of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC). These engines powered vehicles globally, with three units sold in India and six in Japan.

Clarification on Irregularities

Toyota clarified that the irregularities found in the testing were related to the smoothening of power and torque curves of the three diesel engines. The company emphasized that these irregularities did not lead to the over-claiming of any powertrain-related values. The special investigation committee, appointed on January 29th, 2024, reported irregularities specifically in the horsepower certification testing of the engines.

Resumption After Confirmation

Having re-confirmed that the engines meet the stipulated Indian regulations, Toyota has lifted the temporary suspension. The company is now resuming the dispatch of Innova Crysta, Hilux, and Fortuner from the factory to dealerships across the country.

Comparative Impact

In light of recent fraudulent crash testing scandals involving Toyota-owned Daihatsu, the diesel engine irregularities appear less impactful. Toyota has pledged to bring about systematic changes in Daihatsu's leadership, corporate work culture, and other aspects to ensure a transparent administration.

Also Read: Tata's Curvv EV Set to Electrify Market: Launch Confirmed for Q2 2024-25

Verdict

As Toyota Kirloskar Motors moves forward, it aims to rebuild its trust and maintain its commitment to quality, transparency, and adherence to regulatory standards. The resumption of dispatch is a significant step in this direction, emphasizing the company's dedication to addressing and rectifying any issues promptly.