In a landmark ruling, Hino Motors, a subsidiary of Toyota, has been slapped with a $1.6 billion penalty for its involvement in a widespread emissions fraud scheme. The scandal, which came to light in 2025, revealed that the company had falsified emissions data for over a decade, affecting millions of vehicles worldwide.

Regulators uncovered that Hino Motors manipulated emissions tests for diesel engines, allowing vehicles to appear compliant with environmental standards while emitting pollutants far above legal limits. The penalty, one of the largest ever imposed on an automaker, underscores the growing scrutiny of corporate environmental practices.

“This ruling sends a clear message that fraudulent practices will not be tolerated,” said a spokesperson for the regulatory agency. “Companies must prioritize transparency and accountability in their operations.”

The scandal has also prompted calls for stricter oversight of the automotive industry, with environmental advocates urging governments to implement more rigorous testing protocols.