Toyota to extend production halt of scandal-hit models until at least July 31

Toyota Motor has decided to continue suspending production of three models affected by test data falsification until July or later, beyond the originally set deadline of June 28.

Toyota says it has not decided when to resume the production but the suspension will remain at least until July 31.

Toyota was found earlier this month to have falsified performance tests in order to obtain government certifications for its vehicles.

The transport ministry ordered Toyota to suspend shipments of the affected vehicles.

Toyota stopped producing its Yaris Cross and two other models at plants in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures from June 6.

The company said it has also halted testing and other procedures which are necessary to acquire government certification for new models it plans to put on sale.

Toyota says this led it to postpone intended sales in mid-2024 of a new Crown luxury car.

Transport ministry officials conducted on-site inspections at Toyota, Mazda, Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki over a series of test data falsifications.

Mazda has also halted producing its Mazda2 and another vehicle at plants in Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures since June 6.

Concerns are rising about the impact the production suspension will have on local economies and business partners.