US looks into Mitsubishi’s data fixing
Print Edition
MITSUBISHI Motors Corp’s fuel economy scandal broadened yesterday as US auto safety authorities said they were seeking information, and media reported that the automaker had submitted misleading data on at least one more model than disclosed and likely several others.
Japan’s sixth-largest automaker admitted this week that it had overstated the fuel efficiency of 625,000 cars, wiping off around 40 percent of its market value, or US$3.2 billion in three days.
The revelations have prompted Japanese authorities to raid one of its research and development facilities while Standard & Poor’s warned its rating could be cut further into speculative grade territory.
Adding to fears that the scandal will lead to ballooning compensation costs and fines, top Japanese government officials said Mitsubishi may have to reimburse consumers and the government if investigations find the vehicles were not as fuel-efficient as claimed.
“This is a serious problem that could lead to the loss of trust in our country’s auto industry,” Transport Minister Keiichi Ishii said yesterday.
He said he wanted Mitsubishi to look at the possibility of buying back the cars in question, while another minister was quoted by media as saying the government could ask it to pay for any electric car subsidies granted to consumers.
Domestic media said Mitsubishi had submitted misleading mileage data on its i-MiEV electric car, which is also sold overseas. Previously disclosed models are marketed specifically for the Japanese market, and Mitsubishi has admitted to fixing their fuel economy readings.
The Sankei newspaper said the automaker is also suspected of using non-Japanese test methodology on its RVR, Outlander, Pajero and Minicab MiEV models.
Mitsubishi has said there may be models other than those disclosed that violate Japanese regulations.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
