Safety concerns: Nissan halts production in Japan

Nissan motors is expected to stop production at six of its Japanese plants to ensure compliance with safety regulation in the
nation.
Early October 2017, Nissan recalled 1.2million cars after uncertified inspectors conducted checks on domestic models. Japan’s Transport Minister, Mr. Keiichi Ishii, said it was unclear how long the misconduct had been going on.
According to CNNMoney, Nissan’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hiroto Saikawa, said the company’s procedure for certifying vehicle inspection staff had not changed for two decades.
“Checks by uncertified technicians continued even after Nissan had said it had strengthened its inspection processes, when the issue first came to light late last month.
Nissan will continue to produce vehicles for export, as the certification process for final inspections does not apply to vehicles shipped overseas,” he
said.
The firm, which is Japan’s second-largest carmaker, produced roughly 79,300 passenger and commercial vehicles in Japan in August, including 27,600 for the domestic market.
Meanwhile, the issue has tarnished Nissan’s brand, and along with scandals at Kobe Steel and Takata Airbags, could have an impact on Japan’s reputation for
quality.