Following on reports that Kobe Steel, one of Japan’s leading steel manufacturers, manipulated manufacturing data for its copper and aluminum production, new information claims the company also falsified data for its steel manufacturing. According to Bloomberg, Kobe Steel falsified quality certification data for steel wire. Parts using this type of wire can include belts in radial tires and critical internal engine parts like valve springs. There aren’t any reported recalls associated with this announcement at the time of writing, but considering the risk, that’s bound to change.

Like the Takata airbag scandal, the initial findings appear to be opening floodgates of deep-seated misconduct. Insiders aren’t sure why the company is certifying materials outside of the acceptable ranges, but according to the managing director of the Bucephalus Research Partnership, it’s likely due to one of two reasons: either the company is just trying to save money or they can’t produce the right material in the right amounts.

The scandal is still unfolding, but it’s reported that Kobe Steel has lost nearly $2 billion in market value so far. The companies that used Kobe for as a supplier are also under investigation.

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