EPA Asks Mitsubishi to Perform New Vehicle Testing

The EPA has ordered Mitsubishi to provide additional info and perform new tests on U.S.-spec vehicles after it admitted that it hasn’t followed fuel economy testing procedures in Japan since 1991, according to a new report from Reuters. EPA spokeswoman, Laura Allen, said that the agency will be directing the company to conduct additional coast down testing on U.S-spec models.

Since admitting to not complying with fuel economy testing regulations in Japan last week, Mitsubishi has lost half of its market value, equivalent to around $3.9 billion. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration is seeking and collecting data from Mitsubishi, which could lead to possible recalls in the U.S. In 2015, Mitsubishi sold 95,342 vehicles in the U.S., which is up 22.8 percent.

Mitsubishi has set up an external committee to investigate the matter and said there may be more models that were tested using methods not compliant with Japanese standards, which could lead to more costs and fines. According to the Reuters report, the automaker said on Tuesday that it used appropriate testing methods on U.S.-spec vehicles and had no indication of data manipulation for vehicles sold in outside of Japan.

As a result of the fuel economy manipulation scandal, a report from Automotive News claims Mitsubishi’s chairman and CEO Osamu Masuko has revealed his intention to resign. Additionally, president and COO Tetsuro Aikawa has also decided to step down. Both executives are expected to formally step down after the committee releases the results of its investigation.

Source: Reuters, Automotive News (Subscription Required)

The post EPA Asks Mitsubishi to Perform New Vehicle Testing appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend http://ift.tt/1NAFWjv