23,000 Chinese cars recalled in Australia:
asbestos found in parts
Carcinogen initially found in spare parts,
sparking wider investigation
BY ASSOCIATED PRESS ON AUGUST 15, 2012 7:03AM
SYDNEY, Australia: An Australian importer recalled 23,000 Chinese-made cars after asbestos was found
inside engine and exhaust gaskets, the nation’s consumer watchdog said.
Ateco Automotive, which imports the cars made by Great Wall Motor Co. and Chery Automobile, ordered
dealers to stop selling the affected vehicles and recalled gaskets that were distributed as spare parts, the
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said in a statement.
“The asbestos is bound into gaskets in the engine and exhaust system and does not present any risk to
consumers during use of the vehicle,” the watchdog agency said. “However, consumers should not perform
do-it-yourself maintenance that might disturb these gaskets.”
Australia has prohibited the importation of asbestos – a known carcinogen – since 2004.
The recall is a blow to Great Wall and Chery, which have been looking to expand their businesses beyond the domestic market.
Customs officers initially detected the asbestos in imported spare parts, which sparked a wider investigation,
the consumer commission said.
No comments:
Post a Comment