The Trade Department said it will tap an independent third party expert to investigate the alleged “sudden unintended acceleration” of Mitsubishi Montero units.
Trade Undersecretary Victorio Dimagiba said the government was looking at two foreign technical laboratories in Germany to render technical assessment on the case, using a process called “electromagnetic compatibility.”
“There will be no recall yet, not until the third party has recommended that. We are considering four foreign experts but we have discounted Malaysia since their laboratory cannot assess a full vehicle. And since Montero Sports is made in Thailand, we eliminated that also. We’re now down to two German laboratories,” he said.
Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. said it welcomed the Trade Department’s recommendation to hire an independent third party expert.
“We assure all Montero Sport owners that we remain committed to a transparent resolution of this alleged SUA issue and to provide safe and quality vehicles. MMPC deeply regrets and sympathizes with its customers that have been affected by the alleged SUA issues. MMPC will continue to work with its customers to assure their safety,” the company said in a statement.