Mitsubishi apologises for submission of incorrect fuel data of small-cars
Mitsubishi Motor Corporation (MMC) has issued an apology for submission of incorrect fuel data to Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). The cars in question are four mini-car models from the sub-660cc Kei series. These include the eK Wagon and eK Space made by MMC along with the Dayz and Dayz Roox, manufactured by MMC for Nissan. All of the affected models are manufactured at the company's Mizushima plant in Okayama, Japan
Mitsubishi has sold 1.57 lakh models of the ek Wagon and eK Space and supplied a total of 4.68 lakh units of the Dayz and Days Roox to Nissan. The discrepancy in the fuel data was first detected by Nissan compelling Mitsubishi to initiate an investigation. MMC found that the tyre pressure of these affected cars was fiddled with to obtain greater fuel-efficiency results. Following which Mitsubishi has stopped marketing and manufacturing all the four models. Japan's transport ministry has asked Mitsubishi to submit a detailed report.
"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 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.", said the company in a statement.