NISSAN INSPECTION CHECKS FLAWED SINCE 1979
Nissan’s manufacturing division likely to take responsibility, say sources
NISSAN Motor Co had been conducting its current inspection process for vehicles sold in Japan — deemed faulty by the government last month — since at least 1979, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The finding would be part of a report from an external investigation team commissioned by the carmaker, said the person.
Nissan’s manufacturing division would likely take responsibility, said the person.
The report will be submitted ahead of the Yokohama, Japanbased company’s results announcement scheduled for November 8.
The inspection scandal in Japan was widening after Subaru Corp also allowed uncertified workers to inspect vehicles before shipment, according to another person.
The reputation of Japan’s manufacturing sector has taken a beating with Kobe Steel Ltd admitting to falsifying product quality and Takata Corp filing for bankruptcy earlier this year after a recall crises.
“Nissan has commissioned a third party to thoroughly investigate the issue and suggest measures to prevent recurrence,” said a company spokesman.
“Details of the investigation would be shared at the appropriate time.”
Nissan chief executive officer Hiroto Saikawa, who was handpicked by chairman Carlos Ghosn, to run the Japanese carmaker earlier this year, has promised to investigate the matter.
Saikawa has been criticised by media for not bowing long enough while apologising about the incident, as is customary in Japan.
Revelations late last month that Nissan technicians who weren’t registered with Japan’s transport ministry signed off final inspection