Mitsubishi admits to tampering with the quality of its brass and copper components

Mitsubishi Materials has admitted that it has been falsifying data on several products for over a year, including components used in cars and airplanes, a logical continuation of the industrial scandal initiated by the country's third largest steel company, Kobe Steel.

A month ago, Kobe Steel admitted falsifying data on products sold to large customers such as Boeing and Toyota, after which the company's shares fell more than 40 percent.

It was revealed on Thursday that at least two of Mitsubishi's subsidiaries had tampered with data to meet specifications set by customers.

Mitsubishi Cable Industries falsified data on rubber sealants used in automobiles and aircraft. Around 270 million units sold between April 2015 and September 2017 to a total of 229 customers were suspected.

Another Mitsubishi subsidiary Shindoh, at least last year, faked data on some parts of its metal products, including brass and copper parts used in the automotive and electronics industries. At least 29 companies could buy these parts.

"We have not currently identified any illegal behavior or safety concerns at any (subsidiary)," Mitsubishi said in a statement.

According to published information, the financial implications at this stage cannot be estimated. Japanese markets were closed on Thursday due to holidays.

Mitsubishi is one of many companies hit by the Kobe Steel scandal over the use of false-data parts in their aircraft. The companies also have a joint venture for the production of copper pipes.

Shortly after the Kobe Steel scandal erupted, top automakers Nissan and Subaru admitted that they had allowed uncertified technicians to conduct final vehicle inspections. As a result, the companies had to recall thousands of vehicles.

Millions more vehicles around the world have been recalled due to another Japanese firm, Takata, whose airbags have resulted in numerous deaths and forced the company to file for bankruptcy in June.

This is not the first corporate scandal that Mitsubishi has faced. Mitsubishi Motors, an automobile subsidiary, admitted last year that it had falsified fuel economy data.