Perodua & UMW Toyota: Axia And Vios For Malaysia Are Safe, No Recall Needed

The Axia D74A (left) and Vios AC100 (right) remain safe for sale and use, claims both Perodua and Toyota.

In light of the recent revelation by Daihatsu Motor Co., it has been revealed that crash tests involving four export models sold as Perodua and Toyota products have been rigged by the Toyota affiliate. Now, both Perodua and UMW Toyota have responded to the matter.

Both firms have reassured that their affected models, specifically the new Axia D74A and Vios AC100, remains safe for sale and use. In fact, both firms stated that both their affected cars retained their UN-R95 certification despite the ‘procedural irregularity’, and that re-testing or re-certification isn’t required.

Daihatsu had reportedly crash-tested both the Axia and Vios using an improved inner door lining part that's not present in production bound models.

Therefore, both firms also confirmed that neither of their affected products require a recall effort as well. On top of which, both firms also indicate that production and deliveries of both their cars will not stop, meaning customers in waiting shouldn’t expect any delays either.

“We would like to assure you that the All-New Toyota Vios model complies with all safety regulations and there is no compromise to the quality of the vehicles,” reads the statement issued by UMW Toyota earlier today.

New Perodua Axia D74A undergoing ASEAN NCAP crash-testing. It remains unclear if it retains its 4-star rating.

Similarly, Perodua’s statement, issued online late yesterday, reads along the same lines: “We were assured that despite the revelation by Daihatsu, the UN-R95 certification given to the Perodua Axia is intact.” Perodua adds that it will continue to monitor the situation, promising further updates as the situation develops.

Late last week, both Daihatsu Motor Co. and parent company Toyota hastily organised an emergency press conference on Friday evening where Daihatsu admitted to ‘wrongdoings’ in regards to crash-testing efforts involving four export models.

Production and sale of both the AC100-gen Vios (left) and new D74A-gen Axia (right) continues uninterrupted.

Of which, three were already on sale in various markets, those being the Perodua Axia, its Toyota Agya twin, and the Toyota Vios (also known as the Yaris Ativ), totalling over 88,000 units. An unnamed fourth affected model was revealed to be a still un-released offering that’s still undergoing development.

The revelation by Daihatsu on Friday, prompted by an internal whistle blower, saw cars undergoing crash tests primed with a modified inner lining in the front doors. Said part featured a ‘notch’ to prevent sharp cuts from forming when the side airbag deploys, thus reducing risk of injury or death further.