Radioactive cars not a concern: Toyota

Toyota has downplayed concerns that cars set to arrive in Australia this week will be tested for radiation.

Japanese-built cars (the majority Toyotas) scheduled to arrive into Port Kembla (NSW) this week will be screened for radiation following news that a shipment into Chile last month was found to be contaminated. Vehicles aboard the Chilean-bound vessel were affected by radiation borne from the collapsed Fukushima nuclear plant, which went into meltdown in March after being struck by an earthquake and subsequent tsunami.

Consequently, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) will screen a selection of 800 cars arriving from Yokohama this week aboard the Trans Future 7, a move welcomed by stevedores and the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).

The bulk of the consignment comprises new Toyota vehicles (700), as well as small number of vehicles from other manufacturers (100) and a variety of pre-owned cars (30). The news comes as another blow to Japanese manufacturing as the country struggles to deal with the ongoing consequences of the tsunami.

A spokesperson for ARPANSA told media today that although the chances of contamination are minimal, the course of action is necessary to reassure dock workers and their families, a view supported by Toyota Australia.

Speaking with the Carsales Network this afternoon, Toyota Australia's PR manager, Mike Breen said that Toyota was aware of the concerns surrounding vehicles and components sourced from Japan, and had since April taken measures in conjunction with Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), Australian Customs and Border Protection Service (ACBPS) and ARPANSA to monitor radiation levels in its products.

"In April 2011, Toyota in Japan commenced random measurement of radiation levels of its export vehicles as well as other components exports at Japanese export ports for the peace of mind of customers," explained Breen.

"Testing is continuous and results to date are consistent with JAMAs results in that radiation levels are substantially below the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) allowable limits.

"On April 5, 2011 the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and ARPANSA advised industry that at this point in time it is not considered necessary to introduce any radiation screening measures for mail, sea or air cargo or aircraft arriving from Japan. This is consistent with the approach being taken in a number of other countries such as the USA, UK, Canada and New Zealand.

"Toyota Australia has confirmed this advice remains in place," Breen concluded.

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