In a surprising move, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has decided to suspend the dispatch of three of its popular models—Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux—in India after the discovery of “irregularities” in the certification tests for the diesel powertrain. The irregularities, related to horsepower output certification tests, were revealed by Toyota Industries Corporation (TICO), an affiliate of Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), on January 29, 2024.
While TKM assured that these irregularities did not lead to any overstatement or over-claims on horsepower, torque, or other powertrain-related values, the company decided to temporarily halt the dispatch of the affected models to address the situation. According to a TKM spokesperson, the irregularities involve the smoothing of power and torque curves.
However, TKM emphasized that these irregularities have no impact on the emissions or safety of the vehicles. The company is actively working with relevant authorities to reconfirm the data used for the certification of the affected vehicles.
In the Indian market, the diesel engines in question are used in the popular models—Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux. TKM plans to continue taking new orders for these models, and for vehicles that have already been dispatched but not yet delivered, the company will carefully explain the situation to customers before proceeding with registration and delivery for those who opt to receive their vehicles.
TKM sought to reassure existing customers, stating that the irregularities have not resulted in any variations in horsepower, torque, or other powertrain-related values, nor have they compromised the emissions or safety of the vehicles. The company apologized for any inconvenience and concern caused by this irregularity.
The trio of models—Innova Crysta, Fortuner, and Hilux—constitutes almost a third of TKM’s total sales in India. Globally, ten models use the affected engines, including six in Japan. Toyota’s decision to temporarily suspend the dispatch reflects its commitment to ensuring transparency and upholding the quality and reliability of its vehicles in the Indian market.
