Nissan used uncertified inspectors even after misconduct found (updated)
18/10/2017 10:00
* Uncertified technicians performed checks after Sept. 20
-Nissan
* Around 3,800 vehicles affected -Nissan
(Changes sourcing; adds details of checks by uncertified
technicians, updates closing share prices)
TOKYO, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Nissan Motor Co Ltd 7201.T said
on Wednesday it conducted uncertified vehicle checks as recently
as last week even after revealing the widespread misconduct at
its domestic factories.
Japan's second-largest automaker has recalled all 1.2
million new cars it sold in Japan over the past three years
after discovering final vehicle checks for the domestic market
were not performed by certified technicians.
An internal investigation discovered the latest misconduct
at affiliate Nissan Shatai Co Ltd's 7222.T Shonan factory on
Oct. 11, a Nissan spokesman told Reuters by email.
At a news conference on Oct. 2, Chief Executive Hiroto
Saikawa said only certified technicians had conducted checks
since Sept. 20. urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL4N1MH0TP
However, two uncertified technicians carried out inspections
at the Shonan plant even after that date, the automaker said on
Wednesday, with around 3,800 vehicles affected.
Shipments of vehicles produced at the Shonan plant were
suspended after the issue was discovered and resumed on Oct. 16,
the automaker said.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport inspected
Nissan's factories earlier this month, finding names of
certified technicians used on documents to sign off final
vehicle checks conducted by non-certified technicians.
The ministry has asked Nissan to report measures to prevent
a recurrence of the issue by the end of this month.
Shares of Nissan closed up 0.1 percent, in line with the
benchmark Nikkei stock price index .N225 . Nissan Shatai closed
down 0.6 percent.
(Reporting by Maki Shiraki and Thomas Wilson; Writing by
Chang-Ran Kim; Editing by Stephen Coates and Christopher
Cushing)
((ran.kim@thomsonreuters.com; +81-3-6441-1804; Reuters
Messaging: ran.kim.reuters.com@reuters.net))
Keywords: NISSAN RECALL/