Toyota Resumes Dispatch Of Diesel Models: Upholding Quality Standards
Toyota has officially resumed the dispatch of its diesel-powered models, including the popular Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux, after a brief pause. The Japanese automaker had temporarily halted the dispatch of these models on January 29, 2024, following reported inconsistencies discovered during diesel engine horsepower certification testing.
The confirmation of this pause came from Toyota”s international arm, Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), affiliated with Toyota Motor Corporation. However, the suspension has now been lifted, with Toyota reaffirming that the diesel engines comply with Indian regulations. This momentary setback raised concerns for the brand renowned for its high-quality standards.
The inconsistencies arose during a special investigation into potential certification irregularities. Internal scrutiny of the diesel engines revealed discrepancies to the “smoothing” of power and torque curves, which could potentially impact the engines” power delivery and drivability.
Further investigation uncovered that the affected units were fitted with a different Engine Control Unit (ECU) than specified for these models. Toyota has assured customers that this deviation does not compromise the emissions or safety standards of the affected vehicles.
Despite the temporary suspension of dispatches, Toyota continued manufacturing and accepting orders for its diesel-powered models. Consequently, there will be no delay in the production of these Utility Vehicles (UVs), ensuring that waiting periods for models like the Fortuner, Hilux, and Innova Crysta remain unaffected.
In India, Toyota”s diesel lineup comprises a 2.4-litre unit for the Innova Crysta and a 2.8-litre unit offered in the Fortuner and Hilux. Globally, these engines power as many as ten models in Toyota”s portfolio. Notably, the Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux collectively contribute to almost one-third of Toyota”s sales in the Indian market.
The resolution of this issue underscores Toyota”s commitment to upholding its stringent quality standards and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. By swiftly addressing the inconsistencies and reinstating the dispatch of affected models, Toyota aims to maintain customer trust and satisfaction.
Moving forward, Toyota will continue to prioritize quality assurance measures to prevent similar issues from arising in the future. As the brand navigates through challenges, it remains dedicated to delivering reliable, high-performance vehicles that meet the expectations of discerning customers in India and beyond.
