In a statement, the carmaker announced that it has discovered fuel consumption testing data submitted to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism in Japan had been improperly presented in order to improve fuel consumption rates. The testing method was also different from that required by Japanese law.

Mitsubishi said the discrepancies had been found after Nissan reported inconsistencies. The carmaker said it then found that tyre pressure data had been manipulated to make fuel economy appear better.

The tests cover 157,000 Mitsubishi cars, including the eK Wagon and eK Space kei cars, and 468,000 vehicles produced for Nissan including the Dayz and Dayz Roox. Production and sales of the four models have been halted immediately.

President Tetsuro Aikawa apologised in a press conference held today (20 April). The company added that it will put in place a committee of external experts to “thoroughly and objectively investigate the issue” and pledged to make these results public as soon as this is complete.

Mitsubishi also reiterated that the cars in question are only sold in the Japanese domestic market.

Lance Bradley, managing director, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said: “Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has acted quickly and decisively. We understand that such issues are of great concern to consumers. I would like to reassure everyone that there is no evidence to suggest that UK or European models are affected.”