Chinese media reported that an external investigation committee had identified a total of 844 cases of misconduct and compliance violations at Nidec, a major Japanese integrated motor manufacturer. The investigation report was released on 4 September, revealing misconduct at 12 business divisions and subsidiaries under its umbrella.
China Overseas Net reported on a committee of external lawyers’ investigation report following the misconduct issue that came to light at Nidec in May this year. According to the report, a total of 844 cases of misconduct and compliance violations were identified across 12 business divisions and subsidiaries. Approximately 95% involved changes to manufacturing processes, product designs and materials used without obtaining customers’ prior approval. The investigation also confirmed practices including the falsification and fabrication of inspection data and the shipment of nonconforming products as conforming products.
The article also noted that Nidec had previously faced a succession of issues, including false declarations of origin by overseas subsidiaries and improper accounting. It reported the view that a series of scandals had surfaced as founder Nagamori Shigenobu (永守重信) expanded the company through acquisitions while pursuing business transformations and cutting the number of operating sites by half.
Some comments from Chinese readers mocked Japan’s culture of apologizing, while evaluations and reactions in Japan and overseas have been divided. The article presents facts based on the external investigation committee’s report released on 4 September, and attention is focused on whether additional information will emerge.