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Featured Prius (and all Toyota vehicles) & the Kobe Steel Revelations

Discussion in 'Prius, Hybrid, EV and Alt-Fuel News' started by Vertigo, Oct 11, 2017.

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  1. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    It's called seppuku. It was a samurai thing.

    Now deep apologies serve the same purpose. The Zero Hedge article showed the apology shot. Not as deep a bow as I'd like, but it's a start.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #21 pilotgrrl, Oct 12, 2017
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  2. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    It already happens with Kobe beef. You're probably being served Wagyu.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #22 pilotgrrl, Oct 12, 2017
  3. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    Official press release from Kobelco:

    Improper conduct concerning a portion of the aluminum and copper products manufactured by Kobe Steel | KOBE STEEL, LTD.

    Shipping period:September 1, 2016 - August 31, 2017
    Quantity: Aluminum products (flat rolled, extrusions) About 19,300 tons
    Copper products (strips, tubes) About 2,200 tons
    Aluminum castings and forgings About 19,400 units


    For customers to which these nonconforming products were shipped, the Company has begun contacting them one by one and explaining the situation. The Company has been carrying out technical verifications with its customers on the impact of the nonconforming products on quality (including safety) of the end products. The Company has also been conducting an investigation on the facts pertaining to the improper conduct and an investigation as to whether or not similar improper conducts exist in its other business units. Verification and inspection to date have not recognized specific problems casting doubts on the safety of the nonconforming products. In the event that doubts arise on the safety of the nonconforming products, the Company will quickly take appropriate action.

    Additionally, in view of the seriousness of the situation, the Company has set up an investigation committee on quality issues with its Chairman, President and CEO Hiroya Kawasaki as the chairman of the committee. The Company has also requested an outside law firm for an investigation of the facts on the improper conduct. The Company will quickly move ahead and take appropriate action based on the results of the investigation.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #23 pilotgrrl, Oct 12, 2017
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  4. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Nissan said: “We have confirmed that aluminium from Kobe Steel is used in the hoods and doors of some of our vehicles. As hoods are related to pedestrian safety, we are working to quickly assess any potential impact on vehicle functionality.” - Kobe Steel scandal deepens over quality of products in cars and aircraft | Business | The Guardian

    This might be the Bloomberg article, Kobe Scandal Shows Cost of Race to Keep Improving Metals - Bloomberg

    Iron powder - Wikipedia
    A decent list of automotive uses.
     
    #24 Trollbait, Oct 12, 2017
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  5. Vertigo

    Vertigo Junior Member

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    Toyota USA Customer Care just called me to discuss my email from Tuesday.

    They've registered my concerns and opened a case.

    The person with whom I spoke stated that Toyota is taking this issue very seriously, and they are in the process of identifying which models and specific vehicles and specific parts are effected.
     
    #25 Vertigo, Oct 12, 2017
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  6. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Keep us posted, please.
     
    #26 Prodigyplace, Oct 12, 2017
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  7. David Beale

    David Beale Senior Member

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    First, the Prius doors are steel, not aluminum, in case the above quote confuses some.

    Second, this is all nonsense. The Prime passed the crash tests. End of story. Even if the materiel is weaker than specified it still works just fine.
     
    #27 David Beale, Oct 12, 2017
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  8. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Those passing the crash tests may predate the scandal or have material from a different provider.
     
    #28 Prodigyplace, Oct 12, 2017
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  9. Vertigo

    Vertigo Junior Member

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    Clarification on "doors" (emphasis mine):

    From article in The Guardian:
    And from BBC article
     
    #29 Vertigo, Oct 12, 2017
  10. Vertigo

    Vertigo Junior Member

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    I'm certainly not attempting to generate outrage and concern where none is warranted. I hope that all this amounts to bupkes. And, frankly, if this whole Kobe revelation never came to light, we'd all be none the wiser. But, indeed it has come to light, and we are, indeed, wiser. And, thus, if it is determined that below-spec materials were used in any Toyota vehicles, they should be repaired or replaced free of charge to the consumer. Yes?
     
    #30 Vertigo, Oct 12, 2017
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  11. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    No argument here.
     
    #31 Prodigyplace, Oct 12, 2017
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  12. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    Almost like the Takata air bags. Not a problem until they are used.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #32 bwilson4web, Oct 12, 2017
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  13. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Actually, not a problem until they fail.
     
    #33 Prodigyplace, Oct 12, 2017
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  14. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    Actually a PITA from the getgo... we had three cars involved in the aribag recall. Of course neither BMW or Honda had the parts available to replace both driver and passenger bags in one visit, so it was six visits over a year's time to the dealerships for us.

    BMW was the worst... took them over a year to finally get the parts to complete the recall for both cars.

    If it's the same for the Kobe Steel parts... plan on multiple visits to the dealership. :(
     
    #34 ny_rob, Oct 12, 2017
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  15. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    #35 pilotgrrl, Oct 12, 2017
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  16. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    #36 pilotgrrl, Oct 13, 2017
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  17. ny_rob

    ny_rob Senior Member

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    ^ the Kobe president is fortunate to be in Japan vs. China!

    Being "shamed" in better than being hanged any day :eek:
     
    #37 ny_rob, Oct 13, 2017
  18. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    dealing w/lots of DOT & DOSH requirements - I'd also have to say that there is much inspecting of materials via X-ray & mag particle. They just need to follow the sequence of custody
    Kobe - I haven't looked yet but I am pretty sure that's a Japanese manufacturing plant?
    EDIT
    yep
    Kobe Steel - Wikipedia
    Looks like the conglomerate that owns them is Mitsubishi.
    .
     
    #38 hill, Oct 13, 2017
  19. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    There is a difference between passing a crash test and having your hatch or hood bend on the XXth time of opening or closing.
     
    #39 Trollbait, Oct 13, 2017
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  20. pilotgrrl

    pilotgrrl Senior Member

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    #40 pilotgrrl, Oct 13, 2017
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