Japan: Now Suzuki admits to cheating in fuel economy tests

In April 2016, Mitsubishi admitted rigging the fuel economy tests of 6,25,000 cars in Japan. Now Suzuki has admitted that it has used wrong methods to test the fuel economy of its cars in the country. The company has apologised for its actions and disclosed that 2.1 million vehicles have been affected.

According to Suzuki, the Sagara proving ground that is owned by the company is located on top of a hill close to sea, where it is significantly affected by weather conditions such as influence of wind and carrying out tests was difficult. Hence, the company clubbed together the readings of individual parts such as tyres, brakes and transmission from rolling resistance tests and air resistance tests carried out in the wind tunnel.

On the admission by Suzuki, its shares fell by as much as 15%. However, unlike Mitsubishi, which stopped production of the affected cars, the company has said that it will continue selling its vehicles. It also stated that there was no significant difference in the actual readings and those submitted.

Suzuki claims that its vehicles sold outside Japan have not been affected.