In September, Toyota submitted its fourth progress report updating the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism on efforts to prevent future issues related to type approval applications. One year and three months on from Chairman Akio Toyoda's press conference, we revisit the topic of Japan's certification system.
Toyota Times Business provides commentary on mobility-related business news from various perspectives.
On this episode, a panel of experts discusses the topic of Japan’s certification system.
Host Yuta Tomikawa is joined by Vice President Hiroki Nakajima, automotive journalist Naoto Ikeda, and special guest Masao Notsu, JAF’s executive director and a former official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).
Where do the challenges lie for Toyota, and how is the company pursuing improvements? What does Ikeda mean by “media accountability?”
The recent certification issues also turned the spotlight on the system itself. Executive Director Notsu outlines the changes these events have sparked within MLIT. They include the establishment of a public-private council.
By setting up a forum for dialogue between MLIT and the leadership of car, truck, and motorcycle manufacturers, both sides can work toward more mutually effective regulations.
The panel also touches on the differences in certification systems between countries. In our Voice-Only Toyota Times News episode released on September 18, Chairman Akio Toyoda expressed his desire for the “happiness of all those working in the car industry around the world.”
To some, these words may sound like good news for Toyota’s competitors. Our three experts present their takes near the end of the episode.
In September, Toyota submitted its fourth report updating MLIT on efforts to prevent future certification issues. Kaizen is a never-ending process. On Toyota Times Business, we debate the topic from various perspectives, exploring how this experience might contribute to the future of Toyota, and the entire automotive industry.