Results of Model Certification Application Investigation: Insights from Chairman Toyoda at the Press Conference
In a rare move, Toyota Motor Corporation announced an investigation into model certification tests based on instructions from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on June 3. The investigation was prompted by concerns about the certification process, and Chairman Akio Toyoda took the lead in addressing the issue.
Five days prior to the press conference, Chairman Toyoda's main concern was "not fanning the flames of anxiety unnecessarily among customers." On May 30 or 31, he and Shinji Miyamoto, Chief Officer of the Customer First Promotion Group, held a press conference to explain the investigation and answer questions.
During the press conference, Chairman Toyoda spoke for nearly 35 minutes on certification work. He questioned his understanding of the certification process and the workflow for certification. He also acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, "Eliminating wrongdoing is impossible," and expressing gratitude for the issues coming to light, saying, "In a way, I am personally grateful that these issues have emerged from Toyota."
The topic of the "TPS Jishuken (Joint Kaizen Activities)" also came up during the press conference. Chairman Toyoda has been attending these activities since January 30. Yuta Tomikawa acts as the group leader in the TPS Jishuken, and the third episode of the Voice-Only Toyota Times News with Chairman Akio Toyoda and Yuta Tomikawa focuses on the results of the investigation into model certification testing. Details of the "TPS Jishuken (Joint Kaizen Activities)" will soon be released on Toyota Times News.
In the days leading up to the press conference, Chairman Toyoda was initially shocked and disappointed about having to explain the cases. However, his approach to the press conference was likely characterised by a clear, composed attitude focused on transparency, responsibility, and reassurance about Toyota’s commitment to rectify and improve its processes. Akio Toyoda has previously emphasized working together and preparing well rather than speculating, which suggests a pragmatic and steady mindset in crisis-related situations.
It is important to note that the available materials mainly cover Toyota's messages on general company strategy, decarbonization, leadership changes, technology initiatives, and other unrelated topics from 2023 to 2025. If you require detailed direct quotes or emotions from the specific press conference on the model certification issue, such information does not appear publicly available in the sources indexed up to mid-2025.
The investigation is ongoing, and Toyota Motor Corporation remains committed to addressing the issues and ensuring the integrity of its certification process. The company continues to prioritise the needs of its customers and stakeholders, and Chairman Akio Toyoda's leadership and dedication to transparency are a testament to this commitment.
In the course of the press conference, Chairman Akio Toyoda addressed the concerns about the certification process and workflow for certification, which are aspects related to Toyota's business operations and finance. During the same conference, chairman Toyoda also revealed that he has been attending the "TPS Jishuken (Joint Kaizen Activities)", a program that presumably involves business improvements and finance matters, since January 30.
