The discovery of improper fuel-efficiency tests involving Mitsubishi may have been going on since the 90’s, according to Bloomberg, citing the Nikkei. Tetsuji Inoue, a spokesperson for Mitsubishi however, declined to comment on the report.
Last week, the company stated that it had been using methods to test for fuel economy – which are not compliant with Japanese standards – since 2002. In another report, Japan will be setting up a task force to come up with concrete measures so as to prevent irregularities in vehicle testing. Transport Minister, Keiichi Ishii has labelled the manipulation of fuel-efficiency tests by Mitsubishi Motors as “extremely serious.”
The company has stated however, that it is unclear as to whether the method had enhanced or reduced fuel economy. Meanwhile, Nissan, which uncovered the falsified data, has stated that it will decide on its partnership as soon as “all verification is done,” according to its CEO Carlos Ghosn.
“Mitsubishi Motors has come a long way since past problems, so this is very disappointing,” president of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Shunichi Miyanaga expressed. “We need to think about the brand image of the Mitsubishi Group, its social responsibility and accountability for performance,” the president added.
This isn’t the first time that Mitsubishi Motors has had to deal with a scandal. In the year 2000, the company faced a recall event where it admitted to neglecting a fatal flaw in truck axles that could lead to the wheels flying off. The company had to receive two bailouts from its parent company to survive the crisis.
The latest scandal however, will likely hit the company hard, as fuel economy has been a selling point for Mitsubishi – the fourth largest automaker in Japan. The latest scandal has also put some Japanese dealers in limbo. “We don’t know what, in particular, we should do next,” said Masayasu Noguchi, a representative of Kanto Mitsubishi Motor Sales in Japan.
He noted that customers have personally told him that they are angry with the falsification. “New customers are the ones who are worried the most,” said Noguchi, adding “we have to handle this sincerely to keep them from walking away.”
As a recap, the Mitsubishi eK Wagon, eK Space along with the Nissan Dayz and Dayz Roox were a few of the vehicles that had gone through improper consumption tests. Both Mitsubishi and Nissan have now halted the production and sales of the models.
Following the company’s admission of the improper fuel testing methods, Mitsubishi’s offices in Japan were then raided by officials. Meanwhile, Mitsubishi has announced a new independent committee that will look into and investigate the matter for the next three months.
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In b4 bashers will say since its 90’s era, means P1 oso penipu with Mitsu, even thou P1 not related to this JDM only problem.
Only a real bodo cannot see how P1 is sucking billions of our RM every year.
What about our substandard-Mitsubishi (WIRA) here?
Only a read bodo can relate something not relevant to P1 with whatever problems they can get their hands on.
Don’t worry, Proton no need to lie to the rakyat about fuel economy. Rakyat themselves can see their cars sucking petrol like crazy and parts falling out
Wira has hybrid-like FC and coldest aircond in the world. Proton please bring back Wira. For sure can reenter UK market.
no wonder all protons in the 90’s have poor fuel economy
And so the bashing begins
Everything that related to Proton, Proton will also kena hantam. What a poor mentality. Even the issue totally not a Proton problem.
And thank god P1 didn’t bite on previous VW deal. Imagine the bashers here.
“Damned if you do, damned if you don’t” attitude.
All these shenanigans arised from the belief that they won’t get caught. Well, the truth can’t be hidden forever. 1MDB, I hope it will be you next.
From the looks of it, Taman Manggis is next in line
Mitsubishi Pajero Mini has several issues of gearbox problem and engine start up for it’s gdi engine. May suddenly shut down half way driving. Used to be imported by USF-HICOM during the 1999 pajero era
this is why you dont see P1 selling their cars in strictly regulated countries #protek
More and more cans of worms are being opened.
I don’t understand.
Fuel economy can be tested by the buyers or reviewers when they bought their car isn’t it??
Although the claimed fuel efficiency is higher, in most reviews they’ll say the actual consumption is higher than claimed but it’s true for all cars. Why is this a scandal now?
Unlike VW’s Dieselgate scandal which cannot be tested by everyone.