Defective vehicle recall mandatory under new Motor Vehicle Act as new amendments were introduced in Lok Sabha on Tuesday
Auto manufacturers in India are bound to recall the defective vehicles if the vehicles are found to be affecting environment. Also if the vehicles are found to be harmful for the driver or occupants, manufacturers have to recall the vehicles. Under the new amendments made in the Motor Vehicles Act these recalls are mandatory.
On Tuesday in Lok Sabha new amendments have been introduced to the Motor Vehicles Act. Through this, auto manufacturers are bound to recall the defective vehicles, or else government will impose penalty on them. In the developing countries such laws have been strictly implemented for long time. Now Indian government is also applying such stringent rules to secure the safety of the drivers, passengers.
Also read: Royal Enfield Himalayan Silently Recalled for Engine Issues
Till date, the auto manufacturers present in Indian market used to recall the defective vehicles on voluntary basis. Now according to the new bill, the concerned auto maker might be liable to reimburse the full cost of vehicle to the affected owner or replace the defective vehicle. While the concerned vehicle maker can initiate a voluntary recall program to avoid penalty, the government also can direct the manufacturer for recall.
If a particular percentage of owners report defect in a particular type of vehicles, then the government might direct the concerned manufacturer to recall the vehicles. Also the central government can authorize an officer to investigate the issue if needed.
Also read: Maruti Suzuki Recalls 75419 Baleno and 1961 Swift Dzire
In recent past we have seen the auto manufacturers in India taking positive steps toward fixing the defective issues in their vehicles. Honda Car India recalled nearly 1.90 lakh cars in the country to fix the defective airbags. Maruti Suzuki also recalled Baleno premium hatchback and Swift Dzire compact sedan.
Audi India also recalled 36500 cars to fix the diesel engines responsible for emission cheating scam. Among the two wheeler makers Royal Enfield recalled the Himalayan to fix engine problems. But all these were voluntary recalls by these manufacturers.