Violations:
On March 19, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that Hino Motors, a subsidiary of Toyota Group, had engaged in systematic emissions fraud since 2003. Beginning in 2010, its engineers implemented a "dual-track" fraud scheme, manipulating bench test parameters, selectively using laboratory data to fabricate emissions reports, and creating a "shadow database" to archive authentic data. Additionally, "golden sample" engines—with critical component differences from mass-produced models—were used for certification tests. This resulted in 105,000 heavy-duty truck engines with emissions exceeding standards by 300% entering the U.S. market.
Penalties:
The U.S. court imposed a total fine of 521.76 million criminal fine, a "technical embargo" banning Hino diesel engines from the U.S. market during a five-year probationary period, and $1.087 billion in civil compensation. The company is required to establish a third-party audited "Environmental Compliance Special Committee," with executive compensation directly linked to environmental performance metrics.
Key Translation Notes:
Dual-Track Fraud Scheme – Emphasizes the dual manipulation of test data and physical components.
Shadow Database – Retains the original metaphor to convey clandestine data storage.
Golden Sample Engines – Uses "golden sample" to highlight optimized test units distinct from production models.
Technical Embargo – Prioritizes clarity over literal translation to reflect the legal import ban.
Environmental Compliance Special Committee – Maintains capitalization and formal structure for legal/corporate entities.
This translation balances technical accuracy with readability, ensuring legal and mechanical terms align with industry standards in English.
