Toyota Motor Corporation of Japan has announced it will halt production of two models of small trucks produced by Hino Motors as expected fallout of a recently revealed engine data falsification scandal, according to a report by Nikkei Asia media. Toyota owns a 50.1 percent majority of Hino.
The data falsification was first revealed in March of 2023, with it affecting many of Hino’s larger truck vehicles.
The two models affected are the medium-duty Hino Ranger and the heavy-duty Hino Profia truck—neither of which will be further produced until at least August 2023 when Toyota et al have a better opportunity to review data.
According to Nikkei Asia, Hino has admitted to falsifying engine data as far back as 20 years ago in 2003, affecting some 640,000 vehicles—five times more than originally believed. Hino had become a Toyota subsidiary in 2001, with the majority of Hino presidents since then having worked previously for Toyota.
After an August investigation by Japan’s Transportation ministry discovered that 76,000 Hino small trucks had not completed the required number of engine tests, Hino agreed to suspend shipments.
Because of the ongoing scandal which continues to become deeper, Toyota and others involved in a commercial vehicle partnership expelled Hino from the group.