TOKYO, Japan: Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda issued a public apology on June 3 for extensive cheating on certification tests for seven vehicle models, leading the automaker to halt production of three models.

The scandal involves fraudulent testing practices at Japan’s top automaker, including the use of inadequate or outdated data in collision tests, incorrect airbag inflation tests, and falsified engine power tests.

The company suspended production of the Corolla Fielder, Corolla Axio, and Yaris Cross in Japan. The deceptive practices were also found in some discontinued models.

Despite the fraudulent testing, Toyota asserted that the safety of vehicles already on the road, including the Corolla subcompact and Lexus luxury models, remains uncompromised. Toyoda, following Japanese custom, bowed deeply during the press conference to express his remorse.

The Japanese government began investigating Toyota in January, but the issue does not impact Toyota’s overseas production.

In a related development, Mazda Motor Corp. reported similar irregularities in certification testing and halted production of the Roadster and Mazda 2 models. Mazda admitted to using incorrect engine control software in tests and violating crash test protocols on three discontinued models. However, Mazda stated that these issues do not affect the safety of the vehicles.

Honda Motor Co. also issued an apology for improper tests related to noise levels and torque on models such as the Accord, Odyssey, and Fit, all of which are no longer in production. Honda confirmed that these issues do not compromise vehicle safety.

Certification problems within the Toyota group first surfaced two years ago at Hino Motors, Daihatsu Motor Co., and Toyota Industries Corp. Following these revelations, Toyota began scrutinizing its own testing procedures.

Shinji Miyamoto, a Toyota executive overseeing customer satisfaction, mentioned that Toyota initiated internal investigations after discovering issues within its group companies. Toyoda suggested that some certification rules might be overly stringent but emphasized that this does not excuse the violations.

“We are not a perfect company. But if we see anything wrong, we will take a step back and keep trying to correct it,” said Toyoda, adding that the company may have rushed tests amid a surge in model varieties.

Toyota is a global leader in vehicle sales, with over 10 million units sold annually.