Nissan admits to data rigging

Staff at Nissan’s Japan plants have admitted to falsifying emissions and fuel-economy data, the second compliance scandal for Nissan when faults in vehicle inspection procedures saw it recall more than a million cars last year. 

An internal review at Nissan’s production plants in Japan showed that company inspectors used “altered measurement values” on emissions inspection reports, Nissan said in a statement.

The tests also “deviated from the prescribed testing environment.”

More than 900 cars tested back as far as 2013 have been altered by staff. The inspection also found other problems such as erroneous calibration of testing equipment.

“A full and comprehensive investigation of the facts…including the causes and background of the misconduct, is underway,” said the company. 

A Nissan spokesman said the affected cars wouldn’t be recalled because they all comply with Japanese safety and emissions standards.

The Transport Ministry ordered Nissan to fully investigate the problem and, within a month, come up with measures to prevent a recurrence.

*Featured image: Nissan's Oppama Plant in Japan