Diesel filter scandal serves up regulatory warning
Mitsui & Co, Japan has admitted that it obtained an approval to sell its Diesel Particulate Filter ( dpf ) by using falsified tests results. dpf are after-treatment exhaust devices, that provide more than 90 per cent control of diesel particulate matter (pm). False data was included in the certification application for Mitsui's dpf, submitted on February 2002. Based on this certificate, the company was able to sell substandard dpfs in Tokyo: around 21,500. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (tmg) is now planning to file a criminal compliant against Mitsui.
These facts were discovered only later, in the course of a routine internal audit. In response, Mitsui immediately set up an investigating committee. The news broke. An embarrassed Mitsui issued a statement on November 22, 2004: "We regret to report on the discovery that false data had been produced and submitted to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government with respect to the Diesel Particulate Filter, which reduces the particulate matter contained in the emissions of diesel vehicles, manufactured by our wholly owned subsidiary". The company accepted the falsification of the data and has decided to implement responsive measures. Mitsui will now replace dpf for free and also compensate all providers of subsidies related to their dpfs, including the state and local governments, by paying the full amount equivalent to the relevant subsidies.
Regulators, be cautioned.
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