Toyota to resume diesel engine production for HiLux, LandCruiser after Japanese government lifts shipment suspension

Toyota has confirmed production and shipments of diesel engines and vehicles with them will resume over the next few days after the Japanese government cleared the suspension it had placed on the world’s largest car manufacturer.

“The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced that it would lift the shipment suspension of diesel engines manufactured by TICO [a.k.a. Toyota Industries Corporation].”

Toyota had imposed its own suspension of diesel engine shipments after finding "irregularities" during power output certification after it had requested an investigation of TICO into "potential irregularities of certification regulations related to inappropriate domestic emissions certification".

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Toyota says production will “resume at all plants in Japan, and shipments to domestic destinations will resume”, listing March 4 as the date for Inabe Plant Production and Gifu Auto Body Production (where the HiAce is built) lines, as well as Toyota Motor Thailand’s HiLux production to resume.

Toyota says LandCruiser 300 “production for overseas has already resumed”.

“Toyota will continue to provide support to TICO so that it can return to its roots and revitalise its engine business,” Toyota said.

“In addition, as a Group-wide activity, we will once again review the situation to thoroughly ensure that safety and quality are the top priorities.”

At the time of the original announcement, a spokesperson for Toyota Australia said anything that was found to affect Australian customers would be communicated.

Toyota had imposed its own suspension of diesel engine shipments after finding irregularities during power output certification after it had requested an investigation of TICO.

"We have been informed that there is no variation in the power, torque or other powertrain-related values and in addition there is no compromise to the emissions, safety or driveability of the vehicles,” they told CarsGuide.

"We will keep our customers and dealers updated as more information is confirmed. We apologise for any inconvenience that they may experience."

Toyota’s global HQ stated when the initial suspension was put into effect that it understands the serious nature of the findings.

“As the commissioner of these tests, we regret that we were not sufficiently attentive and aware of the fact that the procedures were not carried out in accordance with laws and regulations,” the company press statement said.

“Going forward, we will be involved in all company-wide activities to help rebuild TICO and review the situation to thoroughly ensure that safety and quality are the top priorities."