Daihatsu Manipulates Crash Test Results: Impact on Perodua Axia and Malaysian Consumers

Melaka –

In early May 2023, the public was shocked by a statement by a Daihatsu principal who claimed to have manipulated the crash test results of several car models made by them. Several Daihatsu models were also affected, such as the Toyota Vios (Thailand), Perodua Axia (Malaysia), and the Toyota Agya, which are marketed in Ecuador.

In Malaysia, the acknowledgment of the manipulation of the Daihatsu crash test had an impact on around 11,834 Perodua Axia units. Does the case affect potential consumers in Malaysia?

Director of Vehicle Safety and Biomechanics Research Center (VSB) at the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) Zulhaidi Mohd. Jawi said that initially the news about the case caused a commotion among netizens in a neighboring country. But it didn’t last long, so it wasn’t a big issue.

“In the beginning yes (it went viral), but (the many issues) only lasted a week. After that, netizens stopped talking (about the issue),” said Zulhaidi to detikOto found in Melaka (8/6/2023) ).

Zulhaidi added that the manipulation case was actually not that fatal. Because the tester at the Daihatsu R & D facility in Japan is just trying to achieve perfect results. “The technical (problem) was rather small. The person who tested it was trying to get perfect results. Actually (the car) was okay,” said Zulhaidi.

Previously quoted from Japan Times, Daihatsu manipulated the side crash test by installing certain components that were not available when it was sold in bulk. The front door lining design with these components prevents sharp metal shards from forming on the door panels when the side airbags engage in a side collision. The hope is that the installation of these components can prevent injury to passengers when the side airbag inflates during an accident.

However, when it is sold in bulk, components that can prevent these injuries are not available in cars that are sold to consumers. “Modification for testing is not part of the production vehicle,” said Daihatsu. Daihatsu also publicly apologized for the case.

“We deeply apologize for betraying the trust of customers and other stakeholders and for causing great inconvenience and concern,” wrote the principal of Daihatsu in a press statement.

“Daihatsu has confirmed that in the vehicle side collision test, the front door inner lining was modified incorrectly, and there was a violation of the side collision test procedures and methods stipulated by regulations,” Daihatsu said.

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(citation/rgr)