Monday, 19 December 2016

Faulty brake pads go global

A China Central Television (CCTV) report on Sunday highlighted complaints by the country's safety watchdog this year that some imported brake pads destined for vehicles sold by global automakers, including Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor were found to be faulty.

Leading foreign firms in China have sometimes been hit by consumer backlash after CCTV segments, with Volkswagen being targeted last year in two separate investigations.

The near 20-minute report cited the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, which issued statements in March and May, saying that of 467 shipments inspected, 226 shipments contained sub-standard brake pads.

While more than 60 brands were involved, nine foreign automakers and one supplier were found to have issues with 10 or more shipments, CCTV said. These included VW, Audi AG, Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover Ltd, BMW AG, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Motor Co, Kia Motors Corp, Geely-owned Volvo and parts maker Textar.