The Japanese ministry of transport pulled up Suzuki Motor Corp, Mazda Motor and Yamaha Motor for providing incorrect data for fuel economy and emissions tests on their vehicles. The vehicle manufacturers have now apologised in a press conference held in Tokyo, Japan. The group of them stated that the improper calculations were unintentional, according to Japanese newswire Kyodo.
Toshihiro Suzuki, president Suzuki Motor Corp, said "There were no data alterations but it's a big problem that we have dealt with such a large number of vehicles wrongfully. I take it very seriously." He said that he will spearhead the compilation of preventive measures. Suzuki added that insufficient training of the staff and the absence of onsite supervision by senior workers led to the lax inspection.
Katsuaki Watanabe, executive vice-president, Yamaha Motor said, "We had no notion that we were doing something wrong," while apologising for failing to implement procedures required by law. The transport ministry made the results public, based on reports by 20 vehicle makers collected as of Wednesday. Kyodo, the Japanese transport minister, Keiichi Ishii, in a released statement, said, "It is extremely regrettable. The ministry will strictly instruct the (manufacturers) to make sure thorough preventive measures are taken."