Ford recalls 1.66 lakh units of Figo, Classic
14 Sep 2013
Ford India has recalled 1,66,021 of its hatchback `Figo' and sedan 'Classic' cars to inspect and rectify issues of power assisted steering and rear twist beam (rear suspension).
This is the biggest vehicle recall in the country, since industry body SIAM had introduced a voluntary recall in July last year.
In July this year, General Motors India recalled 1.14 lakh units of its multi-utilty vehicle Tavera.
''Ford India is extending its existing voluntary Field Service Action (FSA) and will recall the remaining batches of Ford Figo and Ford Classic models to inspect them for potential issues related to the Rear Twist Beam (RTB) and the Power Assisted Steering (PAS) hose,'' the company confirmed in a statement.
''This is to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our customers by inspecting and replacing any potentially affected parts as required. Ford India will continue to drive this service initiative through its authorised dealers,'' it said.
The Indian arm of the US car giant Ford is contacting owners of the affected vehicles via notification letters through its nationwide dealership network. Owners may also contact their local dealers.
Ford India is recalling a total of 1,31,922 vehicles - 1,09,469 Figo cars and remaining 22,453 Classic sedans for the RTB issue, manufactured and sold between January 2011 and June 2012.
These vehicles need to be inspected but might not necessarily need part replacements.
The company is also recalling a total of 34,099 units – 30,681 Figo vehicles and 3,418 Classics – for the PAS hose issue. These vehicles had been produced and sold in India from January 2010 to August 2010 and March 2011 to November 2011, it added.
Ford had earlier stated that it was accelerating its plans to make India its global export hub as demand for small cars and sports utility vehicles surge in Asia and Africa.
Ford, which lost ground in Asia to smaller, cheaper vehicles from its japanese and Korean rivals is revamping its strategy with a shift to smaller cars and SUVs.