Toyota pauses production of HiLux, Land Cruiser

Automotive giant promises ‘drastic reform’ following an issue that has stopped production of cars including the HiLux and Land Cruiser.

Diesel engine problems at Toyota have “shaken the very foundations of the company”, according to the manufacturer.

Toyota has temporarily suspended production of diesel engines fitted to 10 cars including the HiLux ute and Land Cruiser four-wheel-drive following an investigation into software manipulation by the brand’s engine production arm.

Toyota HiLux customers may have to wait longer to receive their car.

The brand promised to implement “a drastic reform of corporate culture” in a statement issued to the public on Monday.

It said a committee “commissioned to investigate potential irregularities of certification regulations” found irregularities when testing diesel engines.

“The investigation found that irregularities occurred during the horsepower output testing for the certification of three diesel engine models for cars that Toyota had commissioned to TICO [Toyota Industries Corporation],” it said.

Toyota has suspended production of engines used in the LandCruiser.

“During certification testing, the horsepower output performance of engines was measured using ECUs with software that differed from that used for mass production so that results could measure to make values appear smoother with less variation.”

Affected models include the HiLux ute, Land Cruiser, Fortuner and Lexus LX500d four-wheel-drives, along with the HiAce van and Hino Dyna light truck.

Toyota said it “confirmed that the affected engines and vehicles meet engine performance output standards”.

Acknowledging that the investigation and factory stoppages will increase waiting times for sought-after vehicles such as the HiLux and Land Cruiser, Toyota said “we deeply apologise to our customers who have been supporting affected vehicles and waiting for a long time”.

The diesel engine problems follow an emissions tampering scandal surrounding Toyota sister brand Daihatsu, and an Australian class action lawsuit surrounding faulty diesel particulate filters in 260,000 older diesel-powered models.

Toyota’s Fortuner shares its engine with the HiLux.

The issue comes at a difficult time for the car industry, which is lobbying the Federal Government to allow diesel-powered utes to remain in showrooms under new fuel efficiency rules that could force some cars off the road.

A Toyota Australia spokesman said it was not clear how the latest issue will affect deliveries of vehicles to Australia.

Toyota has paused production LandCruiser 300 Series.

“We are seeking information on any impact to vehicles in the Australian market,” he said.

“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.

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