Toyota Industries Corp. said Friday it plans to increase staff involved in regulatory and certification tasks by 60 percent by 2026 in response to revelations it fabricated data on a wide range of engines it produces.

Toyota Industries, a group firm of Toyota Motor Corp., submitted the preventative measures to Japan's transport ministry, which last month issued an operation correction order to the engine maker over the data rigging scandal.

Toyota's small-car unit, Daihatsu Motor Co., and truck subsidiary, Hino Motors Ltd., have also faced administrative penalties from the government over quality and data rigging issues, bringing into question the group's corporate governance.

"We have deep remorse. The entire company will work together to thoroughly implement preventative measures," Toyota Industries President Koichi Ito said when submitting the measures at the ministry.

Toyota Industries also plans to transfer the task of automobile engine testing to Toyota. A committee chaired by the president will oversee the implementation and progress of the measures.

Ito has agreed to return 30 percent of his salary for six months, with 12 other executives also taking similar action.

Toyota Industries has said its chairman, Tetsuro Toyoda, and vice chairman, Akira Onishi, both of whom previously served as president, will leave their current posts after the general shareholders meeting in June.

In late January, the Toyota affiliate said a third-party panel found fabricated data relating to a wide range of its engines, including those used in industrial equipment and automobiles.

The fabricated data extended to diesel engines it makes for Toyota, prompting the automaker to halt shipment of 10 globally sold models, including the Land Cruiser 300 and the Hilux.

In response, the transport ministry revoked certificates permitting the mass production of five models of Toyota Industries engines used for forklifts and other equipment.

In late February, the ministry also instructed some 80 automotive-related companies, which had applied for certifications, to conduct investigations and report any misconduct by the end of April.

==Kyodo

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