Japanese automaker Toyota announced a revision of several component quality requirements. At a meeting with suppliers, company president Koji Sato stated that the company is facing fierce competition, IT Home reports.

The company is launching the "Smart Standard Activity" program, aimed at optimizing production costs. It plans to relax requirements for parts that don't affect vehicle safety or functionality but significantly increase production costs.

Previously, Toyota standards required the rejection of parts even with defects invisible without magnifying equipment. Specifically, approximately 10 thousand wiring harnesses were scrapped monthly due to color deviations in the wire insulation. Also subject to write-off were headliners with barely noticeable stains and steering wheels with virtually invisible creases in the leather.

The company's purchasing manager, Seiji Nishihara, acknowledged that the vast majority of such discrepancies go unnoticed by end consumers.

The new program will not affect requirements for components that directly impact vehicle safety and performance.