Kobe Steel: More data fabrication cases possible

Kobe Steel has warned that there may be more cases of falsified product data, in a sign the unfolding scandal could worsen. 

The Japanese company has already admitted that products were sold to about 200 firms with false data about their strength and durability.

Toyota, Mazda and General Motors are among the firms affected. The Japanese government wants the steelmaker to report on the result of its safety checks within two weeks.


The country's trade ministry also wants Kobe Steel to provide reasons for the data fabrication and prevention measures within a month, the company's president, Hiroya Kawasaki, told reporters after meeting with the ministry.

"The credibility of Kobe Steel has plunged to zero. We will make efforts to regain trust as soon as possible," he sai