Investigation Results of Model Certification Application: Chairman Toyoda's Opinion on the Press Conference Discussion
In a serious and focused press conference on June 3, Toyota Motor Corporation's Chairman Akio Toyoda addressed the ongoing investigation into model certification tests. The event, which was broadcast on Toyota Times News, was a response to recent challenges facing the company.
The investigation was initiated based on instructions from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the results were discussed in detail during the third episode of the Voice-Only Toyota Times News, featuring Chairman Toyoda and Yuta Tomikawa.
Chairman Toyoda expressed concern that the terms "wrongdoing" or "false statements" might imply something terrible. He emphasised Toyota's commitment to rigorously investigating the matter and upholding the company’s high standards, while ensuring transparency and safeguarding Toyota’s legacy and future direction.
In the days leading up to the press conference, Chairman Toyoda's main concern was "not fanning the flames of anxiety unnecessarily among customers." The event was initially scheduled for May 30 or 31, but was delayed until June 3 to avoid causing unnecessary concern.
During the Q&A session with reporters, Chairman Toyoda made several notable statements. He acknowledged that "eliminating wrongdoing" is impossible, and questioned his understanding of certification work, including the information used, workflow, and standards. He also expressed personal gratitude for the issues emerging from Toyota, stating, "In a way, I am personally grateful that these issues have emerged from Toyota."
The topic of the "TPS Jishuakan (Joint Kaizen Activities)" also came up during the press conference. This initiative, which started after the Group Vision on January 30, involves four companies: Daihatsu, Hino, Toyota Industries, and Toyota Motor Corporation. Yuta Tomikawa serves as the group leader in the TPS Jishuakan, and Chairman Toyoda has been attending the meetings since January 30.
The investigation is ongoing, and details of the TPS Jishuakan will soon be released on Toyota Times News. Akio Toyoda started a small-scale investigation into the cases by calling in the quality manager, and was initially shocked and disappointed at being asked to explain the cases.
It is worth noting that in a recent public hearing in the United States, Toyota instructed Akio Toyoda not to speak. However, at the June 3 press conference, he spoke for nearly 35 minutes on certification work.
Chairman Toyoda's leadership approach combines respect for Toyota’s historical values with a forward-looking vision, reflecting a balance of responsibility and readiness for change. His deep engagement in managing critical corporate developments, including the privatization of Toyota Industries and reforms aimed at improving governance and transparency within the Toyota Group, is a testament to his commitment to the company's future.
In summary, Chairman Akio Toyoda's stance at the June 3 press conference can be interpreted as conscientious and resolute, with an emphasis on thorough investigation and maintenance of trust in Toyota’s brand and corporate governance.
The ongoing investigation by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism into Toyota Motor Corporation's model certification tests concerns not only the company's business and industry operations but also its finance-related aspects, as the company's rigorous investigation and upholding of high standards are aimed at safeguarding Toyota's financial future.
In his quest for transparency and upholding Toyota's legacy, Chairman Akio Toyoda has expressed appreciation for the emergence of issues within the company, as it provides an opportunity to strengthen not only the company's business operations but also its financial health and industry standing.
