Japan’s transport ministry has inspected  Honda Motor Co.’s headquarters in Tokyo after the company and other automakers admitted to carrying out improper tests for vehicle certifications required for mass production.

According to local media reports, after the inspections, the ministry will decide whether to impose administrative punishments to prevent a recurrence.

The report said it would also determine if recalls are required by examining whether the affected vehicles meet its safety and environmental performance standards.

Honda said vehicle tests for 22 models were improperly conducted, including the reporting of falsified data.

According to the report, none of its current models are affected.

Honda became the fourth company to be inspected under the road transport vehicle law, following Toyota Motor Corp., Yamaha Motor Co., and Suzuki Motor Corp., a week after five automakers unveiled safety tests that were not conducted following government specifications.

A total of 38 models manufactured by the five automakers are affected.

The report said six of the affected models produced by Toyota, Mazda, and Yamaha Motor are currently on the market, and the ministry has ordered shipments to be halted.

The ministry would commence a probe into Mazda Motor Corp. soon, it added.

The latest misconduct was disclosed after the ministry instructed 85 automakers and parts suppliers to investigate whether certifications were acquired properly.

This followed a series of similar scandals that hit Toyota group firms in 2022 and later. 

(Xinhua/NAN)