Toyota, Daihatsu admit next-gen Vios, Wigo side crash tests were rigged

Toyota Motor Corporation acknowledged Daihatsu’s wrongdoing in regard to the side collision crash test for four vehicles including the all-new Vios and Wigo.

Next-gen Toyota Vios

According to the report, Daihatsu improperly modified the inside lining of the front seat doors for the crash tests, allowing the affected models to score improved ratings. This is said to have violated the side collision test procedures and methods stipulated by regulations.

For your reference, check out the table below for the affected models:

*As of end of March 2023

For now, the sales of the models in the table above have been suspended. Daihatsu will reevaluate them in the presence of inspection and certification authorities. Once the side impact performance has finally complied with regulations, the sales will resume.

Toyota Chairman of the Board Akio Toyoda said in a statement that the issue is “an absolutely unacceptable act.” He also apologized to the customers, and said that Toyota will be “conducting a detailed investigation and thoroughly collecting facts to understand the situation.” 

“We would like to sincerely apologize to our customers around the world and all related parties for the inconvenience and concern this has caused,” added Toyoda.

Daihatsu is one of Toyota’s subsidiaries, which is responsible for producing small cars in emerging markets such as the Philippines. Locally, the rebadged Daihatsu models made available include the Raize, Wigo, and Avanza.

Next-gen Toyota Wigo

The news came to light before the possible arrival of the all-new Vios and Wigo in the Philippines. While we don’t have any recent report of the next-gen Vios for the Philippine market, an insider reported that the next-gen Wigo will debut in the country very soon. 

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