Kobe Steel scandal: Millions of Toyota, Honda and General Motors cars could be a crash risk after metal scandal
Metal used to produce Japanese cars has been revealed to have false quality standards. Manufacturers like Honda, General Motors and Toyota are now investigating on what models and for how long it used the aluminium
MILLIONS of cars sold by Toyota, Honda and General Motors could be a crash risk after it was revealed they are caught up in the Japanese metal scandal.
The manufacturers both said the incorrectly rated aluminium was used in their cars over the last 10 years.
The metal scandal broke after Kobe Steel, one of the key Asian metal producers, said its staff had given false strength and durability ratings.
The metals were delivered to hundreds of companies including car manufacturers, aeroplane firms and the space industry.
Aluminium produced at four Japanese factories over the last decade - and used in cars - was incorrectly listed as meeting quality standards.
Toyota confirmed it had used the product in doors and other body panels.
Honda also said the metal with dodgy ratings was used in doors and bonnets.
General Motors - which includes Vauxhall - said it was "investigating any potential impact" on its cars.
Mazda and Mitsubishi models could be caught up in the scandal, too. While Kobe Steel also works with Nissan, Subaru and Ford.
A Toyota spokesman said: "We are rapidly working to identify which vehicle models might be subject to this situation and what components were used.
"We recognise that this breach of compliance principles on the part of a supplier is a grave issue."
While no safety concerns have been reported yet, a breach could result in a huge recall - similar to the Takata airbag scandal.
