Do customers still have faith in Daihatsu after their very recent safety scandal?
Okay, so not too long ago, Daihatsu, the partner of Toyota and our second national carmaker, Perodua, was in hot soup since the brand had been less than truthful about the safety of its vehicles. While many saw this as the beginning of the end for the brand, it appears that the opposite is true instead. Let’s see.
So despite the brand having to put out apology statements as well as even suspend production of some of its vehicles, Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. has decided to resume the production and shipment of 10 mini vehicle models, including the Daihatsu Mira e:S and Hijet. Why is the brand suddenly off the hook now?
Moreover, addressing the customers who have loved these models and waited patiently for their delivery, and to Daihatsu suppliers, sales companies, and other related parties, the brand has also offered its sincerest apologies for any inconvenience and concern that it may have caused.
So basically, Daihatsu just rehashed its apology and said, “Well, we know we made a mistake and that our customers can’t trust us anymore but that was like, a whole week ago, we are a ‘changed brand’ now and if you hold the decades of fake tests against us you are living in the past.” How very “gaslight-y” of them, in fact, it sounds a lot like the things my ex-girlfriend used to say to me.
On 30 January 2024, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) also confirmed that these 10 mini vehicle models comply with the standards of the Road Transport Vehicle Act based on the results of testing with the certification authorities in attendance and other reasons.
On top of that, in light of this confirmation, and following a comprehensive judgment based on customer feedback and the readiness of Daihatsu suppliers etc., the brand has determined to resume the production of these 10 mini vehicle models on 26 February 2024 and shipment of unshipped vehicles will resume on 19 February 2024.
Daihatsu is a company that provides mini vehicles, a primary form of mobility for many, and will continue to stay close to the daily lives of its customers and take necessary measures as instructed by MLIT, such as performing testing with the certification authorities in attendance to fulfill our corporate social responsibilities.
Daihatsu will also work closely with its suppliers and sales companies and, as soon as preparations are ready, resume production and shipment of those models for which MLIT has lifted its instructions to suspend shipment. What do you think about this? Can Daihatsu be trusted again?
