Mitsubishi Motors Corporation
(MMC) has admitted that with respect to the fuel consumption testing data
submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
(MLIT), Japan, the company has conducted testing improperly to present better
fuel consumption rates than the actual rates. In a press release, the company
stated that the testing method was also different from the one required by
Japanese law.
“In connection with the certification
process for the mini-cars manufactured by MMC, we found that with respect to
the fuel consumption testing data submitted to the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), MMC conducted testing improperly
to present better fuel consumption rates than the actual rates; and that the
testing method was also different from the one required by Japanese law. We
express deep apologies to all of our customers and stakeholders for this issue,”
the company statement read.
The cars for which the data
was fudged included four mini-car models, two of which are the "eK
Wagon" and "eK Space" which have been manufactured by MMC; and
the other two are the "Dayz" and "Dayz Roox" which have
been manufactured by MMC and supplied to Nissan Motors Corporation (NM) since
June 2013. Up until the end of March 2016, MMC has sold 157,000 units of the eK
Wagon and eK Space and supplied 468,000 units of the Dayz and Dayz Roox to NM.
Since MMC developed the
applicable cars and was responsible for obtaining the relevant certifications,
MMC conducted fuel consumption testing. In the process of the development for
the next generation of mini-car products, NM examined the fuel consumption
rates of the applicable cars for NM's reference and found deviations in the figures.
NM requested MMC to review the running resistance value (rolling resistance,
mainly generated by tyres, and air resistance while vehicles are moving), set by MMC during tests by MMC. “In the course
of our internal investigation upon this request, MMC learned of the improper
conduct that MMC used the running resistance value for testing which provided
more advantageous fuel consumption rates than the actual rates. MMC will
sincerely respond to our customers who own and use the applicable cars,” the statement
added.
The company stated that it had
decided to stop production and sales of the applicable cars. NM also has
stopped sales of the applicable cars, and MMC and NM will discuss compensation
regarding this issue.
“During our internal
investigation, we have found that the testing method which was different from
the one required by Japanese law has been applied to other models manufactured
by MMC for the Japanese domestic market. Taking into account the seriousness of
these issues, we will also conduct an investigation into products manufactured
for overseas markets. In order to conduct an investigation into these issues
objectively and thoroughly, we plan to set up a committee consisting of only
external experts. We will publish the results of our investigation as soon as
it is complete,” the MMC statement said.