Since this problem became known, our research has revealed that virtually all the problems were the result of improper use of the vehicles and improper inspections and service.

As part of our effort to eliminate this problem, we have provided free hub inspections or free replacement of worn hubs. As of July 23 we had completed 91.7% of the inspections.

Since our first public announcement about these voluntary hub inspections on April 26, one incident of tire falloff was reported. MMC intends to complete inspection of all our large-size vehicles with this potential problem, and will continue to request users to replace worn hubs.

At the end of June, it has been found through the course of the worn hub inspection that 2,413 units had not completed its hub replacement.

While 2,080 units have had their worn hubs replaced, we will accelerate replacements during this month.

Regardless of the above facts, MMC deeply regrets delays in replacing hubs on affected large-size vehicles.

MMC also has explained that overloading was the major reason of the unusual incident that has occurred in Saitama Prefecture on April 22. Nonetheless, we have continuously been surveying such incidents, have been checking data of inspected vehicles and have been implementing sampling investigations of inspected vehicles. Based on market sampling, we have found one incident of tire fall-off, hub wear being within the benchmark of hub replacement and 4 incidents of hub fissure. (1) Of the 6 incidents, 5 wore aluminum wheels and each wheel was extensively worn out. (2) Aluminum wheels used in the market have unevenness in wheel wear, and when aluminum wheel wear becomes great, it extensively has a great impact on the decrease of hub life. (3) We have found out that, to secure normal hub life, usage of extensively worn out aluminum wheels must be regulated as well as inspections of both hub wear and aluminum wheel wear must be implemented.

Since our recent studies have shown the possibility that aluminum wheel vehicles led to a situation where wheel wear and other factors, including operating conditions may cause fissure or breakage of the hub, we have decided to take new voluntary inspection steps from July 26 to measure wear of both hub and aluminum wheels in order to assure safe highway performance.

Today (July 26), we are announcing these steps [see attachment] to enhance the understanding of the public, users and service shops.

Based on the inspection and results from the studies we have conducted thus far, MMC feels that proper use of the vehicles and proper inspection and service can prevent irregular wear and breakage of hubs.

MMC is determined to exert maximum efforts to assure highway safety, with the cooperation of our dealers, service shops and users.

(Reference Materials)

1. Outline of New Voluntary Inspection Steps

2. Investigation of Hub Wear within the Benchmark

3. Current Status of Voluntary Inspection (as of July 23, 2002)