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TOKYO >> Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. unit Daihatsu has shut down production lines at all four plants in Japan while transport ministry officials investigate faulty safety certification tests. The shutdown, which began on Tuesday, comes a week after Daihatsu Motor Co. announced that it would stop all vehicle deliveries in and outside of Japan after discovering faulty testing on 6 models. That prompted officials at the Department of Transportation to begin a deeper investigation into the 

problems, which have apparently been going on for decades. The shutdown is expected to affect thousands of auto parts manufacturers and their workers, dealing a potential blow to the local economy. The safety testing irregularities earlier this year triggered an investigation by an independent panel, which found widespread and systemic problems at Daihatsu. It is the latest in a series of safety or other violations found at least five of Japan's largest cars in recent years. So far, there have been no reports of accidents or deaths from fake tests. Daihatsu, which makes Hijet trucks and vans and the Mira van, said it began shutting down some lines on Monday and halted production on Tuesday at all four plants in Shiga, Kyoto and Oita prefectures and at its headquarters in Osaka. The company declined to say when 

production would resume, but media reports say lines will be halted until at least January. Daihatsu is a unit of Toyota that specializes in popular small cars and trucks in Japan. The company assembled around 870,000 vehicles in 2022 across four plants. According to market research company Teikoku Databank, Daihatsu factories have supply chains including 8,136 companies across Japan, with sales totaling 2.2 trillion sales ($15.53 billion). “The longer the shipment suspension, the greater the concern about its impact on company earnings, employment and the local economy,” it said in a report. The problems were found in 6 models and three vehicle engines, including 22 models and an engine sold by Toyota. The problems also affected some models of Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. Toyota and 

Daihatsu models were sold overseas in Japan. Daihatsu's investigation found 17 new irregularities in safety tests and other procedures in 25 test categories, in addition to previously reported problems. The problem came to light in April when Daihatsu reported faulty door molding certification. According to authorities, the problems became apparent with lateral tests in May. In addition, data falsification and the use of unauthorized testing methods were observed. Speaking to reporters last week, Daihatsu President Soichiro Okudaira acknowledged the cheating on safety testing and procedures, saying it was tantamount to neglect of safety certificates. He attributed the problems to pressure on workers to meet ambitious demands for tight development deadlines.