Nissan may soon be following in Mitsubishi and Volkswagen’s footsteps as it jumps into the limelight following investigations on manipulated emissions figures. Investigations commenced into the allegations last December following the Volkswagen scandal. The only vehicle model so far that appears to have been affected is the ever popular Nissan Qashqai. This is a massive disappointment for Nissan, who will now face the headache of having hundreds of vehicles recalled due to this data manipulation.
Recent tests carried out by the industry experts revealed the clear manipulation of data. They explained how when tested the Nissan Qashqai’s emission reduction device automatically cuts off when the car’s temperature reaches 35 degrees (to stop the vehicle overheating), but other cars wait until the temperature reaches 50 degrees before switching off the device. This is not following in line with the industry standard, and Nissan may suffer because of this.
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Although Nissan still denies any manipulation, all the industry experts are claiming otherwise, and the fine they are due to receive will be 300 million won is equivalent to approximately $280,000. However, considering that Nissan offered Mitsubishi £2.2 billion for 34 percent of its shares very recently, I don’t think they will have too much of a problem paying. It ‘s hard to predict if this will have a long-term effect on Nissan as the second largest automaker in Japan as they are still very adamant they have not employed any illegal defeat or cheat devices. I guess only time will tell.