DTI to complete 3rd party tests of Montero by end of February

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry targets to complete by the end of February, the recommended third party laboratory testing of a vehicle model being produced by Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi Motors Corp. (MMC).

The tests to be conducted are meant to determine the cause of the alleged sudden and unintended acceleration (SUA) incidents involving the Montero model, which is being distributed locally by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Inc. (MMPC).

“Based on the suggestion and instruction of Trade Secretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr., we want to complete the process of testing by the end February. We shall devote most of January to the procurement process, preparation of terms of reference, publication, the prequalification of third party laboratories, and the award (of the contract). Towards February, we want to have one week for actual testing of the vehicles and two weeks for the interpretation, evaluation, and decision,” Trade Undersecretary Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba said in a press briefing Thursday.

According to Dimagiba, the DTI plans to have at least five units tested—one of which should be owned by one of the SUA complainants, and one Montero vehicle owned by one who has opted for an amicable settlement with the MMPC. Another unit should be one that has not been the subject of a SUA complaint.

Dimagiba stressed anew that the cost for the third party laboratory testing would be shouldered by the DTI and that MMPC’s role would be to manage the transfers of the subject units to the laboratory site.

The third party testing was one of the recommendations made by the DTI in a report released last month following an investigation into the alleged SUA incidents involving the Mitsubishi Montero model. The panel also recommended that:

* All Montero units owned by the 24 complainants shall undergo mandatory preventive maintenance that covers MMPC’s offer of a free check up, specifically on the engine compartment;

* All dealers and service centers must record stored data trouble codes (DTCs) and compare all vehicle findings to determine if there is a common DTC that appear in Montero Sports A/T units;

* MMPC shall conduct quality reassurance certification on all the SUA complainants vehicles, including voluntary non-SUA complainants who own a Montero for the purpose of acquiring peace of mind;
* All other Montero A/T owners are encouraged to continually avail of the free check up to determine the condition of their vehicles;

* MMPC shall instruct all dealers and sales persons to fully explain to all prospective buyers the manner of using Montero units prior to purchase, pursuant to Article 2 of the Consumer Act;

* MMPC shall issue an advisory to the public on this matter; and that,

* All SUA-related vehicles shall not be sold by Mitsubishi nor by its current owners to any subsequent buyers until there is declaration that the Montero vehicle is roadworthy as to be established by a third part laboratory.  SFM