Hino Motors Settles $1.6 Billion Emissions Fraud with US

Hino Motors, a subsidiary of Toyota, has agreed to pay $1.6 billion to resolve allegations of emissions fraud related to over 105,000 diesel engines sold between 2010 and 2022 that did not meet U.S. emissions standards. The settlement includes a criminal fine of $521.76 million and civil penalties totaling $678.5 million, with the company pleading guilty to a multi-year conspiracy to falsify emissions data. As part of the resolution, Hino will be barred from exporting diesel engines to the U.S. for five years and must implement a compliance program to ensure adherence to regulations. The scandal highlights ongoing issues within the automotive industry regarding emissions compliance, reminiscent of the Volkswagen “Dieselgate” incident. Hino's president expressed remorse and stated that the company would focus on mitigating environmental damage through various programs, including engine recalls and replacements. This settlement is viewed as a significant step towards addressing past regulatory failings and improving internal compliance procedures.