Mitsubishi says cars sold overseas not affected by fuel-cheat scandal

Tokyo: Mitsubishi Motors said Wednesday that its years-long cheating on fuel-economy tests did not affect cars sold overseas, potentially limiting the scope of a scandal that has plunged the automaker into crisis.

The company also said it was probing nine more models sold only in Japan, but ruled out a bailout from its top shareholders.

Vehicles sold overseas "were tested using methods appropriate to those markets", Mitsubishi chairman Osamu Masuko told reporters.

"We believe the vehicles sold overseas are not affected."

The company was still investigating why cars sold in Japan were caught up in the scandal, he added.

However, it said "overly optimistic" fuel-economy targets could be to blame for some employees fudging the tests.

In some cases, cars appeared to be about 15 percent more fuel-efficient than they were in reality.

Mitsubishi is reeling after it admitted last month to the improper testing, and that unnamed staff manipulated data.

Despite fears about Mitsubishi's future, executives ruled out a bailout.

"As far as assistance is concerned, there have not been any concrete talks," Masuko said Wednesday, as the firm submitted a report on its internal investigation to the transport ministry.

"Our company's finances are relatively healthy. At this point, we think we can do this on our own."