Suzuki admits using improper fuel economy tests
Suzuki Motor Corp has officially revealed that it has been using improper methods for testing the fuel economy of its cars. Just a few weeks ago, Mitsubishi had officially announced that it had stated wrong fuel economy data for some of its models.
Since the Mitsubishi scandal unfolded, the transport ministry of Japan had asked all automobile manufacturers to submit fresh fuel economy data of their entire model range by Wednesday. Osamu Suzuki, the chairman of Suzuki Motor Corp, is expected to brief the media shortly after submitting the data.
In India, Maruti Suzuki is the largest car manufacturer, and many of its models regularly feature among the highest-selling car models month after month. The company also commands the highest market share in the hatchback segment. In Japan, Suzuki's specialty is in minivehicles with engines up to 600cc, and it commands around one-third of the market.
In India, Maruti Suzuki vehicles are preferred by majority buyers as they claim to return high fuel economy. This news is likely to create panic among our mileage-conscious car buyers in India. It remains to be seen how Maruti Suzuki India reacts to its parent company's admissions about using improper fuel economy testing methods.
Our calls to the Maruti Suzuki India spokesperson went unanswered, and the company is yet to release an official statement on the same.
