Nissan blames recent improper tests on ‘low awareness’ of regulations

Nissan Motor stated on Wednesday an “extremely low awareness” of the seriousness of investigation standards and rules had resulted in improper measuring of exhaust emissions and fuel economy in auto models made in Japan.

Nissan stated in July that sample testing for emissions and fuel economy in final vehicle inspections at majority of its factories located in Japan did not qualify domestic standards, the second case in less than a year where misconduct was discovered in its inspection process.

The Nissan case is the recent incident of data tampering which has deteriorated Japan’s manufacturing industry and its image for high-quality, efficient production.

Nissan stated the breach of inspection standards was same as a case last year, when the firm confessed that for decades uncertified inspectors had signed off on final checks for vehicles sold in Japan.

“As a company – executives, managers to plant supervisors – Nissan had really low awareness of the gravity of breaching (final vehicle inspection) standards and rules,” Nissan stated.

It blamed the misconduct on a shortage of final inspectors and a absence of oversight by plant managers, the automaker stated, adding it also required to do more training.

Nissan stated there were inappropriate inspections during sample testing of 1,205 vehicles, over 1,171 units the company had reported at first in July.