Suzuki's mileage road test mistakes prompt government investigation

By Bruce Brown May 19, 2016

suzuki road test cheat 2016 celerio — Image used with permission by copyright holder

In yet another story about car manufacturer errors in mileage testing. Suzuki Motor Corporation has admitted to and apologized for using incorrect mileage road tests, according to the Associated Press. The company also said that only cars sold in Japan used the improper road tests. The firm asserts that even with the wrong tests, the original mileage ratings weren’t incorrect, and claims that it didn’t cheat on fuel consumption statements.

After the recent Mitsubishi Motors admission that it had cheated on mileage numbers for years for at least four of its smallest cars, the Japanese government ordered all car manufacturers in the country to confirm they were testing correctly for fuel consumption. Suzuki said when the company retested its cars using the proper road tests the mileage ratings did not change. The transport ministry announced later that only Mitsubishi and Suzuki used the wrong tests, according to Reuters.

Appearing at the transport ministry, Suzuki Chairman and Chief Executive Osamu Suzuki, president Toshihiro Suzuki, and vice president Osamu Honda bowed in acknowledgement of the error during a press conference.

The fallout from the Mitsubishi Motors admissions has been significant. Mitsubishi President Testuro Aikawa, who denies any personal involvement in the fuel misstatements, has announced that while he will stay in office through the investigation of the cheating, he will subsequently resign. Nissan Chief Carlos Ghosn has announced it is buying 34 percent of Mitsubishi, considering the $2.2 billion cost a bargain since the company’s stock has dropped 40 percent since the news of the fuel cheating was made public.

The fact that Suzuki’s subsequent road tests resulted in the same fuel consumption numbers the company obtained with the wrong tests does not mitigate the testing error. The transport ministry is investigating what and why the wrong tests were used in the first place. Suzuki has until May 31 to provide more information.

Topics

Contributing Editor

Digital Trends Contributing Editor Bruce Brown is a member of the Smart Homes and Commerce teams. Bruce uses smart devices…

Cars

Best dash cam deals: Protect your ride from just $39

Rexing V1 dash cam

There are a lot of difficult drivers on the road, and a great way to protect yourself from potential insurance issues is with a dash cam. A dash cam will ensure everything that goes on while you’re driving is recorded. The best dash cams can typically record in multiple directions, making them a great option for Uber drivers who want to keep their customers safe and protect themselves from potential legal issues as well. You can save big on a new dash cam right now, as there are quite a few dash cam deals worth shopping. Below you’ll find what we feel are the best dash cam deals to choose from right now, so read onward for more details on how to save.
70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S -- $40, was $50

The 70mai Smart Dash Cam 1S is the cheapest option in this list, but it doesn't feel like it because it's packed with features. The dash cam, which supports microSD memory cards of up to 64GB, records footage at 1080p Full HD resolution with night vision capabilities thanks to its Sony IMX307 image processor and f/2.2 aperture. With its built-in G sensor, the dash cam will detect an accident and lock footage to prevent overwrites. You can use voice commands to ask the dash cam to take photos or to start recording videos, and you can use its accompanying app to watch real-time footage and to download files to your phone.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024