Hino: Data Falsification Began In At Least 2003
Major Japanese truck maker Hino Motors says a scandal involving the falsification of data started earlier than previously stated.
In March, Hino reported that it had falsified emissions and fuel economy data on certain types of engines since 2016 so it could obtain certifications.
The maker was then forced to stop shipping some large and mid-sized trucks among other vehicles after their certifications were retracted by the government.
But a team of outside experts set up by Hino has found that the misconduct actually started from at least 2003. It released the results of its investigation on Tuesday.
It also says Hino submitted a false report to the government in 2016 that claimed tests for certifications had been properly conducted.
President of Hino Motors, Ogiso Satoshi says " I take the repeated misconduct as a very serious problem. I sincerely apologize for betraying the trust of the stakeholders for so many years."
Sales of Hino's domestic large and mid-sized trucks following the suspension in March have plunged to half of the pre-scandal levels.