Mitsubishi has revealed that it may have falsified fuel economy data on 13 different models, all sold exclusively in Japan.
This admission confirms that no cars sold in the UK or other regions are affected by Mitsubishi’s fuel economy scandal.
Last month, Mitsubishi first admitted that over 600,000 cars it had sold to the Japanese market had undergone rigged fuel tests. The admission led to raids by authorities at Mitsubishi Motors’ office in Okazaki and a deeper investigation into just how many cars are affected by the scandal.
In recent weeks, the manufacturer has been investigating whether any cars sold outside of Japan had false fuel economy figures as well.
Investigation deepens
The rigging of fuel tests came to light when cars made by Mitsubishi for Nissan were discovered to be producing inconsistent read outs for fuel economy by the latter company. It was then revealed that employees at Mitsubishi had been falsified by employees to flatter mileage rates.
While not all 13 models of Mitsubishi have been named in public yet, the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, Osamu Masuko, insists that mileage-test requirements for all cars sold outside of Japan have been followed. The investigation is set to continue with more evidence and details submitted by Mitsubishi to Japan’s transport ministry later this month.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested that Mitsubishi retested its cars sold in America to confirm that fuel economy figures are accurate. Mitsubishi says there’s no evidence that US cars have been affected by the scandal.
Mitsubishi is working on a plan to compensate customers and the manufacturer could face huge fines as the fuel scandal potentially dates back to 25 years.
Nissan to take controlling share in Mitsubishi
In other recent news, it has now been revealed that Nissan has signed a deal to take a 34 per cent stake in Mitsubishi Motors for 237 billion yen (or about £1.5 billion).
Nissan and Mitsubishi had already been working together on making several models in the last five years. The new agreement will make Nissan the largest shareholder in Mitsubishi.
The deal, likely at least partially-motivated by the financial hits Mitsubishi will suffer due to the falsified fuel economy tests scandal, will see the two manufacturers work even closer together than before.
More sharing of vehicle platforms, technology and purchasing costs are reportedly on the cards once the agreement between Mitsubishi and Nissan is completed.
