Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India


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This is a great news, for long auto maker's had exploited the customers in India. This defiantly is a positive move.

Ministry to decide on auto recall policy by year end. Automakers may be mandated to officially announce vehicle recalls, if defects are detected after launch. The Ministry of Heavy Industries expects to begin formal talks on regulations for the same next month with the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) and industry body, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), according to a report in The Business Line.

It was mentioned in the report that a senior official stated “Till now, there have been informal discussions between SIAM and MoRTH. From next month, the Department of Heavy Industries expects to take a lead on formal talks for such a policy.” Such a policy would look to define what a recall means by stipulating the conditions and the process the manufacturer needs to follow after issues are detected in a certain production batch.

Incidentally, SIAM plans to pre-empt the Government's move by issuing its own set of ‘voluntary guidelines' for vehicle recalls next month itself. A draft proposal is already ready, an official said. Most developed markets have defined rules for recall. In the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration can force a manufacturer to recall a model (or a certain batch), if safety standards are proved to have not been met after an investigation by the agency. For environmental issues, the Environmental Protection Agency conducts a similar check. An auto recall policy was also expected to be included in the amendment of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, which is currently in the works.
Source: Ministry to decide on auto recall policy by year end | WheelsUnplugged
 

350Z

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Re: India To Have An Official “Recall” Policy By End 2012

A welcome move indeed. It would prevent automakers from fleecing the buyers and taking them for granted. There have been a few instances in the past where carmakers did not recall a vehicle in spite of identifying certain issues. But then, it is also important to spread to word among public that recalls are not necessarily a bad thing. Due to such impression, a few manufacturers in India even think twice to perform an ‘official’ recall. Let us hope this decision is implemented soon, unlike the mileage markings about which we are hearing from ages now.

Drive Safe,
350Z
 
Thread Starter #3
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Re: India To Have An Official “Recall” Policy By End 2012

Well said, there has always been a taboo attached to the word recall in general public's mind, this is where OEM's should come together and educate customer's.
 

allhyundaicars

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Re: Official “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

it is really a good move. many companies don't recall their cars but only fix those cars when a customer complaints.
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

I hope they don't leave any loopholes in the auto recall policy
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

Welcome move. Hopefully with this, customers will have more say in the matter.
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

Superb superb. This is extremely needed. If there is a manufacturing problem the Auto makers are always in an advantageous position, they pass the buck to the service center (who obviously cannot rectify manufacturing defect) and then the tussle becomes between the customer and service center. The OEM takes a back side and watches the game silently.
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

Superb superb. This is extremely needed. If there is a manufacturing problem the Auto makers are always in an advantageous position, they pass the buck to the service center (who obviously cannot rectify manufacturing defect) and then the tussle becomes between the customer and service center. The OEM takes a back side and watches the game silently.
This rule will warrant all the OEM's to take quality check of the parts very seriously.
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

Auto companies like Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Toyota and Mahindra to set up recall code for defective cars.

India's leading automobile manufacturers have come together to voluntarily set up a 'recall code', which will become operational from as early as next week, a norm that is institutionalised in all developed markets.
'Lemon Cars' is a pejorative for cars that carry a manufacturing and safety defect. They are not an uncommon occurrence in the Indian automotive landscape. With the new 'recall code', companies will require improved manufacturing processes to meet higher safety standards and will also result in better quality products.

The implementation of the new customer complaints on new cars would lead to faster and surer claims based on such engineering defects.
Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) members have decided to declare any defect or engineering flaw in vehicles on their own.

India, unlike its counterparts in Europe, US and Japan, is yet to put a statutory mechanism in force, which can strictly enforce corrective action from automobile makers for manufacturing flaws. In India, automakers are under no obligation to recall any vehicles till date, unlike their western counterparts, which is mandated across all major markets where notified entities ask for recalls and also levy strict penalties on manufacturers for any known violations.

This new recall code initiative would be implemented from July 1, leading to a process whereby leading automakers like Maruti, Suzuki, Hyundai, TVS Motors, Tata Motors, Toyota, Volkswagen, Honda, Ashok Leyland, Eicher, Bajaj Auto, Hero MotoCorp and Mahindra & Mahindra would come forward to disclose any known defects or flaws in their vehicles to the public.

In developed markets, the norms are strictly implemented. For instance, on June 23, the American road authority, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, investigating two customer complaints, forced American carmaker General Motors to recall 4.13 lakh units of its Chevrolet Cruze sedans over concerns of a possible fire through liquids trapped in the engine compartment.

Auto companies like Maruti, Hyundai, Tata Motors, Toyota and Mahindra to set up recall code for defective cars - The Economic Times
 

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allhyundaicars

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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

ah i just hope hyundai recall all the verna because of low quality bumpers and bad FE [anger]

the bumpers of my santro is better than the verna. a safety issue perhaps [confused]
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

Very good move indeed. this would make all OEM's accountable for their products and should address to their mistakes voluntarily. It is a good now since auto industry is booming with lots vehicles getting sold on indian sand.
Kudos , who ever initiated it. Indian market is slowly moving towards west in terms of automotive industry. lets the market mature and we get to drive more better cars [;)]
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

SIAM says Voluntary Code on Vehicle Recall to be effected from July In a significant development to ensure safety and customer satisfaction, SIAM member companies have implemented “Voluntary Code on Vehicle Recall” w.e.f. 1st July 2012, according to Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) release.
It was stated that last year Indian Automobile Industry sold about 17.3 million vehicles which included about 2.6 million passenger cars, about 13.4 million two Wheelers and about 1.3 million commercial vehicles and three wheelers. This volume has grown significantly over the years from a modest number of about 5.3 million in 2001. The automobile industry has always focussed on "growth with responsibility’. This initiative is one more step taken by the industry to portray its commitment to the society to ensure vehicle safety for the occupants as well as to others.

For the Indian auto industry, which has already taken several steps to make todays’ vehicles much safer, this voluntary recall code is a reinforcement of their sustained commitment towards the consumers and to the society at large by ensuring that the vehicles continue will perform effectively during its operation. The Recall Code is a uniform frame work for recalling the vehicles by vehicle manufacturers. The code is applicable on the registered passenger cars, two wheelers and commercial vehicles. For CBU imports by the member companies or independent importers, the concerned importers shall bear the responsibility of enforcement of the code.

The Voluntary Code on Vehicle Recall will address potential issues that exist in a motor vehicle which do not meet the safety requirement due to manufacturing defect and the remedial actions taken in this regard. The vehicle shall be covered under safety recall for a period of seven Years. The code is covering the various topics like Notification to ‘Vehicle owners’ , Action(s) for ‘Recall’, Publication of Information and listing down what should Vehicle owner do in case of missing ‘Recall?’. The decision on Recall will take into account the degree of seriousness or severity of occurrence of any possible hazard involved.

The Code ensures that the recall information will also be posted on the company website and the communication will be received by the vehicle owners. The reported vehicle will be rectified by the manufacturer through its dealers at no cost to the customer. It was shared that the recall penetration rate may be improved by the correct information of vehicle owners. Further, In case a manufacturer fails to announce Recall where “Clear evidence” is available as per Recall definition and above guidelines, then Government of India/Ministry may issue appropriate directions to the vehicle manufacturers for such violation. SIAM hopes that this new initiative by the vehicle manufacturers will be appreciated by the consumers and other stakeholders and will bring in greater appreciation of vehicle as well as road safety in the country.



SIAM says Voluntary Code on Vehicle Recall to be effected from July | WheelsUnplugged
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

Guys, came across the news that 'Ford India is recalling Fiesta and Figo cars to check the "Rear Twist Beam" and will replace if required to ensure the vehicle's long term durability'

Is it true? Ford owners can check Ford Website / Contact dealers for updates.

If its true, a good initiative by Ford India [thumbsup]
 
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Re: Official Auto “Recall” Policy in India By End 2012

Ministry readies plan to make vehicle recall easy for automakers

The Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways has proposed a programme under the vehicle registration scheme, Vahan, that would make it easier for automakers to reach out to customers during vehicle recalls.

Under the proposal, automobile companies would fill in the vehicle identification details at production into a database connecting Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

RTOs would then register ownership details on sale and on changing hands in the pre-owned vehicle market.

Confirming the development, a ministry official said: “The idea is to eliminate errors while filling in the chassis numbers and vehicle identification numbers during registration at RTOs. The system would avoid duality as RTOs would only have to change ownership details when vehicles are sold in the used-car market.”

At present, the documentation process for changing ownership details of a pre-owned vehicle is tedious, and often makes consumers skip the procedure while selling and purchasing used cars in the unorganised sector.

Over 2.5 million pre-owned vehicles are sold in India every year with over 85 per cent of the business taking place in the unorganised sector. This makes it difficult for manufacturers to trace consumers in case of vehicle recalls.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers notified a “voluntary code on vehicle recall” last month, according to which, manufacturers may recall vehicles voluntarily to rectify safety defects arising from malfunctioning of steering components; brake systems; faults resulting in unintended fuel leakage; cracked or broken wheels and problems in wiring systems that result in loss of complete lighting. The policy would be applicable on vehicles for seven years, in addition to the warranty extended on products by manufacturers. The proposed programme would help in increasing efficacy of vehicle recalls done by manufacturers.

The burgeoning Indian automobile market has seen a rise in frequency of cases involving engineering flaws in new-generation cars raising concerns on safety of passengers. On Monday, Ford India recalled 111,000 units of Figo and Fiesta to inspect faults in steering and rear suspensions. In September last year, Honda Siel recalled 72,115 units of City to replace faulty power window switches. This was preceded by the country’s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, recalling 13,157 units of Swift, Ritz and Dzire to inspect and fix engine defects.

On the proposed system, a senior executive associated with the automobile industry, said: “Additionally, once the programme is implemented we would also have data available about retail sales taking place in the automotive industry. The RTOs can share the registrations taking place on a monthly basis.”

Automobile manufacturers in India report wholesale data (dispatches from the company) currently, which reflect the sales taking place at the dealer outlets.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) would develop the software for the new programme.

The ministry official added that discussions are at a preliminary stage and it would take some time before the specifics and the funding of the programme are finalised.

In July last year, the ministry had launched Vahan (vehicle registration) and Sarathi (issue of licence) programmes for smooth registration of vehicles at RTOs. Vahan enables registration of vehicle, collection of road tax and issue of permits and clearances. Sarathi monitors issue of licences to learners, drivers, conductors and driving schools.

Data available with the ministry shows there are around 970 RTOs across the country. Of these, 98 per cent are electronically connected.

Ministry readies plan to make vehicle recall easy for automakers
 

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