Mazda, Suzuki and Yamaha Motor admit false emissions testing in Japan

Mazda, Suzuki and Yamaha Motor joined a growing list of Japanese manufacturers admitting to improper testing of vehicles for fuel economy and emissions in a fresh blow to the country’s reputation for product quality.

The findings on Thursday came after Japan’s transport ministry ordered automakers to review their testing procedures in the wake of admissions by Nissan and Subaru that they had falsified fuel economy readings in conducting final inspections on cars sold in Japan.

In the case of Suzuki, Japan’s fourth-largest automaker, about half of the 12,819 sample cars tested for fuel economy and emissions were inspected under invalid conditions. Similar improper tests were found for 72 of Mazda’s sample vehicles and 7 of Yamaha’s sample motorbikes.

Suzuki said it was not planning to issue any recall since the actual emission and fuel economy readings were not significantly affected.

“The checking mechanism was insufficient. We regret that we left the inspections to factories,” chief executive Toshihiro Suzuki said at a news conference in Tokyo, after expressing his apology with a deep bow.

It was the second fuel economy testing scandal for Suzuki in two years. Its chairman Osamu Suzuki stepped down from his dual role as chief executive in 2016 after the company admitted to using fuel testing methods that were not compliant with Japanese rules.

All three manufacturers said there was no case of data manipulation. The findings affect only vehicles manufactured and sold in Japan.

The widening scandal spooked investors, with shares in Suzuki falling 6 per cent. Yamaha fell 4.6 per cent and Mazda closed 1.3 per cent lower.