No impact of Suzuki mileage test issue in India: Maruti

The system of conducting vehicle mileage tests in India is distinct from the one in Japan.

New Delhi:

Maruti Suzuki India on May 18 said the issue of using improper fuel economy and emission tests faced by parent Suzuki Motor Corp in Japan will not have implications in India citing distinct testing regulations.

"The system of conducting vehicle mileage tests in India is distinct from the one in Japan. In India, all vehicles are tested for road load and emissions by government approved agencies like ARAI, ICAT and VRDE," a Maruti Suzuki India spokesperson said in a statement here.

As part of the emission test, these agencies report fuel efficiency of vehicles as well. Basis these reports, Maruti Suzuki voluntarily declares fuel efficiency of its vehicles, the spokesperson added.

Earlier today in Japan, Suzuki Motor Corp (SMC) said "some discrepancies were found in the automobile emission and fuel efficiency testing process between the regulation by MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism) and the actual method carried out by Suzuki". While apologising for the discrepancies in 16 models which were subjected to investigation, SMC, however said that the "issues do not apply to products sold under Suzuki badge outside Japan".

SMC also insisted that "as for performance regarding emissions, it complies with the safety standards and we consider it does not have any problems". Maruti Suzuki India shares closed at Rs 3,917 apiece, down 0.81 per cent from the previous close on the BSE. It had fallen to an intra-day low of Rs 3,808 in the morning trade after reports of Suzuki's issue in Japan emerged.