Toyota City, Japan – In response to Kobe Steel Ltd.’s announcement earlier this month that it had falsified material specifications data on some aluminum and copper alloys sent to automakers, Toyota and Lexus engineers conducted safety testing on parts using the metals.
Toyota officials said aluminum plates purchased both directly from Kobe Steel and via other suppliers were used primarily in hood construction and on rear hatches.
After verifying strength and durability of the affected aluminum plates that was furthest outside of Toyota’s specifications, engineers say parts satisfy applicable statutory standards, and Toyota’s own internal standard, for key safety and durability requirements for vehicles.
“However, since the announcement by Kobe Steel covers a wide range of products, we do not regard this matter as closed, and we are continuing our efforts to identify its full impact. We are currently working to identify the impact of affected non-aluminum materials on our vehicles,” Toyota’s engineering safety team said.