Japan Gov't Releases Daihatsu's Crash Test Results

Jan 15, 2024 | News On Japan

Shiga, Jan 15, 2024 (News On Japan) - Following the certification fraud issue at Daihatsu, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) has made public its vehicle collision tests.

The sound of a car crashing into a wall echoed through the Daihatsu factory in Ryuo Town, Shiga Prefecture, on January 15. The MLIT showcased the "Full Lap Frontal Collision Test," which assesses the safety performance of passengers when a vehicle collides. The test vehicle, Daihatsu's "Gran Max," was crashed head-on into a concrete wall at a speed of 50 km/h. The test verified whether the airbags deployed correctly upon sensor detection and if the dummy remained restrained by the seat belt after the collision.

In Daihatsu's certification fraud issue, tests were manipulated so that airbags were set to deploy via a timer instead of being triggered by impact sensors as they should. Although Daihatsu has claimed that their investigation into the affected models found no safety issues, the MLIT conducted these compliance tests and made some public to alleviate concerns of Daihatsu users. The results will be released sequentially by model as they become available.

Daihatsu’s Deputy President Hiroaki Hoshika commented, "We are carefully considering measures to prevent recurrence, and by having the MLIT witness these tests, we aim to convey safety assurance to our customers."

In a related development, the planned 2023 release of an electric light commercial vehicle jointly developed by Daihatsu, Toyota Motor Corporation, and Suzuki has been postponed in light of the series of fraudulent activities by Daihatsu.

Source: MBS NEWS

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