It is not just vehicle emission tests that can be rigged (VW emissions scandal could go beyond US, 22 September). What about manufacturers’ fuel consumption claims? Blowing up tyres beyond normal pressures, turning off lights and heaters and even putting adhesive tape along the narrow gaps between doors and the adjacent bodywork seem to be regular practices. Certainly no passengers or luggage are allowed. A recent Which? report indicated that in normal use a motorist would not achieve the kind of miles per gallon figures claimed by the manufacturer. In some cases the discrepancy was enormous, and in one case the carmaker overstated the fuel consumption by more than 100%.
Brian Moss
Tamworth, Staffordshire
