Japanese Steel Scandal Could Result in Car Recalls
Japan’s Kobe Steel Ltd. has revealed its staff faked data on the strength of some of its products.
The company is Japan’s third-biggest steelmaker and has ties to several automakers including Mitsubishi, Toyota, General Motors, Ford, Nissan, and Honda. Kobe Steel has admitted its staff falsified data about the strength and durability of some aluminum and copper products that are used in planes, trains, and potentially a space rocket. Automakers Toyota, Honda, and Subaru have said they’ve used materials what were subject to falsification.
SEE ALSO: Toyota Turning to Aluminum for Future Models
Toyota has come forward saying that it has found Kobe Steel materials, for which the supplier falsified data, in hoods, doors, and peripheral areas. The automaker is working quickly to identify which vehicle models and what components may be affected.
Other automakers that have come forward include Honda, which said it used falsified material from Kobe Steel in cars doors and hoods, while Mazda confirmed it uses aluminum from the company. Suzuki and Mitsubishi are currently checking to see whether their vehicle are impacted.
[Source: Bloomberg]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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