Japan's Nidec Suspected of More Than 1,000 Cases of Quality Data Tampering
Japanese motor giant Nidec is suspected of more than 1,000 cases of quality data tampering across multiple plants and product categories, Nikkei Asia reported, citing internal investigation findings. Shares dropped sharply in Tokyo after the disclosure, and customers including automakers asked for full audits.
Japan's Nidec, the world's largest maker of precision motors, is suspected of more than 1,000 separate cases of quality data tampering uncovered by an internal investigation, Nikkei Asia reported. The cases reportedly span small motors used in home appliances, larger industrial drives sold to automation customers and brushless motors supplied to several automakers. Nidec said the findings emerged after an internal whistleblower flagged inconsistencies in test reports earlier this year.
Shares in the Kyoto-based group fell sharply in Tokyo on Tuesday and analysts cut earnings forecasts on the prospect of warranty costs, customer compensation and a possible regulatory probe. Several large customers, including Japanese, German and South Korean automakers, have asked Nidec for full audits of supplied components and for written certifications. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said it was reviewing the company's disclosures.
Nidec said it had launched a third-party investigation led by external lawyers and engineers and would publish a full report within 90 days. The episode echoes earlier quality scandals at Japanese suppliers Kobe Steel, Mitsubishi Electric and Daihatsu, which damaged confidence in the country's high-precision manufacturing reputation. Senior executives, including the founder Shigenobu Nagamori, have not yet appeared at a press conference.
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