TOKYO -- The fudging of pre-shipment inspections by Suzuki Motor, Mazda Motor and Yamaha Motor that came to light this week risks further damaging trust in a Japanese auto industry already battered by a string of testing-related scandals.
Quality control issues have now surfaced at five of Japan's eight passenger car manufacturers -- along with Yamaha, which produces motorcycles -- since 2016, when Suzuki and Mitsubishi Motors admitted to problems with their fuel economy testing. This is striking in an industry known for strict standards.
