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Suzuki Faces Raids After Admitting to Falsifying Brake Test Data for Alto Vans
- Writing language: Korean
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Base country: Japan
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- Information Technology
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Summarized by durumis AI
- On June 9, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism raided Suzuki's headquarters, revealing fraudulent brake distance measurement tests on Alto vans manufactured between 2014 and 2017.
- Suzuki claims their staff intentionally manipulated brake distances due to a lack of time for retesting, maintaining that there is no safety concern. However, this case highlights the widespread issue of certification test irregularities within Japan's automotive industry.
- The Ministry intends to thoroughly investigate Suzuki and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
On June 9, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) conducted a search and seizure of Suzuki's headquarters in Hamamatsu City, Japan, following allegations of certification test irregularities involving five Japanese automobile manufacturers. According to MLIT, the vehicles involved in the irregularities at Suzuki were cargo-specification Alto models produced and sold from 2014 to 2017. Suzuki admitted to submitting shorter braking distances than the actual results in tests measuring braking distances when the brakes were repeatedly applied. It is believed that the person in charge intentionally altered the results because there was not enough time to conduct retests. The search and seizure is expected to involve reviewing test data and documents, as well as questioning the person in charge.
In the "Truck and Bus Braking Device Test Record and Performance (TRIAS 12-J010-01-Appendix)" submitted when applying for type approval for the Alto (cargo specification) (without ABS) in September 2014, Suzuki recorded the braking distance in the test measuring braking distance under braking device test repetition with hot brakes as shorter than the actual braking distance measured during the actual test.
Regarding these irregularities, Suzuki explained, "In the internal certification test, the braking force was weaker than the regulated value, resulting in a braking distance that was close to the legal requirements. However, there was not enough time to conduct retests before the deadline for submitting test results. Therefore, it is believed that the person involved in the test assumed that altering the braking distance would be acceptable if they considered a case where the brakes were applied closer to the regulated value, and intentionally altered it." However, Suzuki stated that they have already changed to a process that prevents such irregularities from occurring.
The irregularities at Suzuki are limited to Alto cargo vehicles produced and sold from 2014 to 2017 and are reportedly not affecting safety. However, this incident demonstrates that certification test irregularities among Japanese automobile manufacturers are widespread.
MLIT is taking this incident seriously and is expected to thoroughly investigate Suzuki. Additionally, Suzuki should implement measures to prevent such irregularities from occurring again in the future.
