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Mitsubishi Scandal: The EPA Gets Involved

by Samuel Labrie-Ross
Mitsubishi Lancer
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Photo: Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Canada Inc.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered Mitsubishi to publish more details about the fuel consumption testing of their models.
Last week, Japan’s sixth biggest automaker admitted to cheating the fuel consumption tests for their Kei Cars (minicars). A few days ago, we learned that Mitsubishi has been cheating these tests since… 1991!

This means the manufacturer has been lying to its customers for more than 25 years. Two vehicles sold in other markets as Nissans are also affected. Nissan also said they are not sure their partnership will hold. No less than 625 000 vehicles are affected. The worst part is that those Kei Cars were marketed as being fuel-efficient.

The public didn’t appreciate being lied to; Mitsubishi lost half its market value since this scandal arose. Overall, the company value’s dropped by 3.9 billion. We’ll keep you informed as we learn more.

Mitsubishi will now have to re-check the fuel economy ratings of every single model sold in the United States.

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