Japan’s transport ministry has inspected Honda Motor Co.’s headquarters in Tokyo after the company and other automakers admitted to carrying out improper tests for vehicle certifications required for mass production.
According to local media reports, after the inspections, the Ministry will decide whether to impose administrative punishments to prevent a recurrence.
It would also determine if recalls are required by examining whether the affected vehicles meet its safety and environmental performance standards, the report said.
Honda said vehicle tests for 22 models were improperly conducted, including the reporting of falsified data.
None of its current models are affected, according to the report.
Honda became the fourth company to be inspected under the road transport vehicle law following Toyota Motor Corp., Yamaha Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor Corp., a week after five automakers unveiled safety tests were not conducted in line with government specifications.
A total of 38 models manufactured by the five automakers are affected.
Six of the affected models produced by Toyota, Mazda and Yamaha Motor are currently on the market and the ministry has ordered shipments to be halted, the report said.
The ministry wiould commence a probe into Mazda Motor Corp. soon, it added.
The latest misconduct was disclosed after the ministry instructed 85 automakers and parts suppliers to investigate whether certifications were acquired properly, following a series of similar scandals that hit Toyota group firms in 2022 and later.
