Suzuki admits discrepancies in fuel economy tests

Suzuki admits using 'improper' fuel economy and emission test methods, although denies manipulating the data.

After Mitsubishi, Suzuki has now admitted of finding “discrepancies” in the fuel economy and emissions tests on its cars sold in Japan. The company, however, insists that it has not manipulated the data to mislead consumers like other manufacturers (VW and Mitsubishi).

As per the reports, the transport ministry of Japan ordered all domestic automakers to check their own vehicles’ compliance with the government’s testing methods after Mitsubishi publically admitted of manipulating data to make its cars seem more fuel efficient than they actually were. Following an internal inspection, Suzuki acknowledged that some discrepancies have been found in the company’s emissions and fuel-efficiency tests. However, the automaker also stated that the difference in readings is within acceptable limits (~ 10 per cent) and the company has not published any misleading data.

As many as sixteen models and about 2 million cars are affected from this problem. The company has also said that these ‘improper’ testing methods have been in use since 2010. At the moment, Suzuki cars outside of the Japan are not affected by this, claims the maker. There has not been any information about the use of such methods on cars sold in the Indian market, which is undoubtedly the Japanese automaker’s biggest market in the world. Also, Suzuki’s market shares nose-dived by 15 per cent in its home market following the news, but has soon recovered to by 6 per cent before closing.

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