Nidec President Apologizes as Quality Probe Finds 60 Possible Legal Breaches

Nidec President Mitsuya Kishida publicly apologized Friday after an internal investigation found widespread quality-control failures at the company, according to 読売新聞 (Yomiuri Shimbun). The probe identified 60 cases that could involve legal violations or product recalls.

The investigation, whose findings were released at a press conference on September 4, uncovered roughly 850 instances of inappropriate conduct across the company, Yomiuri reports. Kishida said he was "deeply sorry" for the issues, according to the newspaper.

The bulk of the misconduct — about 70 percent, or 844 cases — occurred at a subsidiary in Shimosuwa, Nagano Prefecture, per reporting from 信濃毎日新聞 (Shinano Mainichi Shimbun) and other outlets. The independent investigation committee's report described an "unhealthy environment" driven by pressure to meet targets, 日本経済新聞 (Nikkei) reported.

The findings mark a significant escalation from what Nidec had previously disclosed. The motor and electronics maker, which supplies components to automakers and other manufacturers, now faces the possibility of regulatory action or recalls tied to the 60 most serious cases.

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Yomiuri's report did not specify which products or business units are affected by the potential violations. The company has not yet announced a timeline for corrective measures or whether it will notify regulators.

What to watch next: Whether Nidec discloses which products could be subject to recalls and how regulators in Japan or abroad respond to the findings.