Khaleej Times Online, Tuesday 9 Mar 2010

Ministry Gives Auto Dealers 15 Days To Recall Faulty Vehicles

Abu Dhabi, Anwar Ahmad:

The Ministry of Economy on Sunday instructed all automobile distributors in the country to withdraw vehicles with technical faults within 15 days. Dr Hashim Al Nuwaimi, director of consumer protection, said this takes effect from Monday.

During a meeting at the MoE, it was resolved that UAE automobile distributors provide details of faulty vehicles and a schedule of repairs.

“The number of vehicles with technical flaws will be ascertained in a few days when we obtain details from the auto dealers in the country,” Dr Al Nuwaimi said. Technical faults will be fixed by the distributors free of cost.

Al Futtaim Motors, sole Toyota distributor in the UAE, have recalled 3,200 Toyota Avalon and Sequoia models due to faulty accelerator pedals.

“The ministry demanded the car dealers provide a written report to the MoE,” Dr Al Nuwaimi said. “It was also agreed to form working groups and follow up.”

Dr Al Nuwaimi added the ministry asked the auto distributors to provide full inventory of the number and types of cars that are found with technical defects and clarify the plan of each agent to deal with these defects and the needed period of time to fix these faults.

“Toyota Motor Company has confirmed that the two models, Avalon and Sequoia (model years 2005-2010) are highly unlikely to experience the same potential accelerator issue due to the UAE’s climatic conditions,” a statement on Al Futtaim website said.

“If any of our customers have concerns, they can contact our customer care team on 04 206 6002, between 8am and 6pm from Sunday to Thursday,” the statement added. Customers can approach the ministry in case of difficulty in contacting a distributor.

In coordination with the MoE, Trading Enterprises distributors of Honda, began its service campaign for 2001 and 2002 Honda Accord from March 1, to fix faulty air bag, according to an announcement published on Trading Enterprises website.

The company requested all customers who own the 2001-2002 Honda Accord and if they contain the vehicle identification number (VIN) mentioned below to call customer care on 80046632, the announcement said.

anwar@khaleejtimes.com