FAW-Volkswagen to recall 1,633 Audi quattro cars over unsafe sunroof glass

FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co. Ltd., a joint venture between Chinese automaker FAW Group and Germany's Volkswagen (VW) will recall 1,633 imported cars sold to China over unsafe sunroof glass.

FAW-Volkswagen is recalling the Audi Q5 3.2 FSI quattro models produced between June and December 2011, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, said in statement over the weekend.

The regulator said that the sunroof glass could break under extremely low temperatures because of defect in the production technology.

FAW-Volkswagen said that it would recall the vehicles from 7 August and replace the sunroof glass free of cost.

The FAW-Volkswagen JV was set up in 1991 with VW holding a 20-per cent stake, another 10 per cent by Volkswagen Group automaker Audi AG with 10 per cent, VW (China) Invest with 10 per cent and FAW holding the remaining 60 per cent.

The joint venture produces a wide range of premium passenger and commercial vehicles, including  the Volkswagen Bora, Caddy MPV, Golf, Jetta, Magotan, and Sagitar; and Audi A4, A6L, A8L, Q7, and TT. 

In April, both car manufacturers agreed to extend their joint venture for a 25-year period lasting from 2016 to 2041.

The FAW-Volkswagen joint venture has manufacturing centres in the cities of Changchun, Chengdu and Foshan.