Mitsubishi's Fuel Economy Compliance Under EPA and NHTSA Scrutiny

The Core Issue: Fuel Economy Testing Accuracy

Mitsubishi Motors has recently come under regulatory scrutiny from both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding its fuel-economy testing procedures. This investigation follows the automaker's disclosure of testing irregularities affecting certain international models.

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Global Concerns vs. U.S. Market Findings

While Mitsubishi has acknowledged "irregularities in fuel consumption testing" for approximately 625,000 minicars sold worldwide, the company asserts that these issues do not extend to vehicles manufactured for the American market. The discrepancies primarily affect models sold in Japan and other international markets.

Key Differences in Testing Protocols

Mitsubishi emphasizes that U.S. market vehicles undergo completely different evaluation processes:

• EPA-specific procedures for determining Road Load Coefficient
• Independent verification of all submitted data
• Strict adherence to federally mandated testing protocols

Regulatory Response and Information Requests

Despite Mitsubishi's assertions of compliance, multiple U.S. regulatory bodies have requested additional information and testing:

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Coast-down testing, which measures a vehicle's resistance while in motion, is particularly significant as it directly impacts fuel economy calculations. Mitsubishi confirms it's currently gathering this data using EPA-approved methodologies.

Understanding the Testing Process

Mitsubishi's statement clarified several important aspects of their U.S. testing regimen:

Road Load Determination

The automaker uses a specialized system to calculate what the EPA terms "Road Load Coefficient" - a critical factor in fuel economy ratings. This process includes:

• Precise measurement of aerodynamic drag
• Evaluation of tire rolling resistance
• Assessment of drivetrain friction

Verification Procedures

All collected data undergoes independent verification before submission to the EPA, creating an additional layer of accountability absent in some international testing protocols.

Ongoing Investigation and Transparency

Mitsubishi has taken several proactive steps to address regulatory concerns:

• Formation of an external expert committee to investigate testing procedures
• Full cooperation with all U.S. regulatory agencies
• Commitment to publicly share investigation findings upon completion

This approach mirrors the company's response to previous international issues, suggesting a standardized protocol for addressing fuel economy discrepancies across all markets.

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Consumer Implications and Next Steps

For current Mitsubishi owners in the United States, the company maintains that:

However, regulatory outcomes could potentially impact:

• Future model certifications
• Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) compliance
• Consumer perception of brand reliability

MotorVero will continue monitoring this developing story and provide updates as regulatory reviews progress and Mitsubishi's independent investigation concludes.

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