Mitsubishi admits to falsely reporting fuel economy for 25 years

(Baonghean.vn) - Japanese car manufacturer Mitsubishi admitted on April 26 that it had been using fuel efficiency testing methods that did not comply with Japanese regulations since 1991, longer than the previous information in 2002.

Mitsubishi Motors President Tetsuro Aikawa and other executives bow in apology at a press conference at Japan's Transport Ministry on April 26.

Pressure on corporate targets is seen as a major reason for fuel efficiency figures being reported higher than they actually are.

Mitsubishi said it would work with outside experts to investigate the matter. Japan's transport ministry has also asked the company to explain the issue by May 11. The ministry had previously instructed other automakers to conduct thorough fuel economy tests and report back by May 18.

Shares in Japan's sixth-largest automaker have been sold off, wiping $3.9 billion off its market value since last week when it admitted to falsifying vehicle tests on four-seat vehicles, including two made for Nissan.

Mitsubishi, however, would not comment on whether its vehicles sold overseas were subject to falsified testing data. It said it used testing methods consistent with those used on vehicles exported to the United States.

The incident has brought back memories of a 15-year-old scandal at Mitsubishi, when the company admitted to deliberately concealing customer feedback for more than two decades. The incident almost bankrupted the company, if not for other companies in the Mitsubishi group.

Senior officials at other Mitsubishi group companies say it will be difficult to revive the automaker from the scandal because they themselves are facing financial and shareholder return difficulties.

Thanh Hien

(According to Reuters)