Mitsubishi defends itself against diesel emission claims

30 January 2020

As German prosecutors continue to probe Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi over alleged diesel emissions manipulation, the carmaker has insisted it has done nothing wrong.

The company issued a statement following a series of raids on both its own facilities and those of suppliers Denso and Continental concerning accusations that it fitted ′defeat devices’ to its vehicles, similar to those used by Volkswagen in the US, a move that sparked the Dieselgate saga.

Nothing wrong

′According to the Prosecutor’s announcement, the subject of the on-site investigations are passenger cars with 2.2-litre diesel engine with the emission standard Euro 5b, as well as 2.2-litre & 1.6-litre diesel engines with the emission standard Euro 6b (Those engines are no longer manufactured.),’ Mitsubishi said.

′Specifically, the Prosecutor stated that there had been a suspicion that those engines are equipped with a so-called “defeat device” that makes sure that the permissible limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx) are met on bench tests, but not in real-life use.’

The manufacturer pointed out that its 1.6-litre engine that is subject to the investigation, along with its control system that plays a key part in any emissions-cheating device, was supplied by PSA Group. French prosecutors opened an investigation into its domestic carmaker in 2017. Mitsubishi’s comment could cause friction between the two companies.

Approval granted

Mitsubishi also revealed that it had started an internal investigation into the accusations, finding that: ′No engines manufactured by Mitsubishi Motors are equipped with a so-called “defeat device” that makes sure that the permissible limits for NOx are met on bench tests, but not in real-life use.’

It went on to add that the carmaker only marketed the vehicles mentioned in the initial report after approval was granted by Germany’s automotive authority, the KBA, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including emissions standards.

′We have been fully disclosing Mitsubishi Motors manufactured engine and its control system to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), and making improvements whenever any indications are made,’ the statement added.

Mitsubishi has pledged to assist authorities in any way possible, while also continuing its internal investigation.

The Japanese carmaker has a small presence in the European market, with the latest ACEA figures showing the brand’s new-car registrations rose 3.4% to 138,003 units in 2019. This equates to a market share of 0.9%. In recent years, the carmaker has gained renown for its Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid), with diesel sales falling as a result.