Renault recalls 50,000 units of Kwid

Recall is only in India, companies say; 50,000 Kwid, 932 redi-Go called back

Renault and Nissan have started recalling some units of the former's Kwid car and the latter's redi-GO, both made at their joint factory at Oragadam, near this city.

The French company did not disclose the number of units being recalled but sources said it would be around 50,000 Kwids. The Japanese entity said 930 of the redi-GOs were being recalled.

Renault’s is to do a “pre-emptive and voluntary inspection” of the fuel system and to add a hose clip, for the Kwid 0.8L variant, manufactured until May 18. Customers will not be charged. The Kwid was launched in September 2015 and has been a successful product for Renault in India. The company says it is approaching 100,000 deliveries.

Initially, the Kwid was available with an 800cc engine. In August, a 1,000cc engine variant was launched. It also plans to introduce one with automated manual transmission.

Nissan’s Datsun said it was conducting a voluntary recall on certain India-made redi-GOs, to inspect the fuel hose and fix a clip, also at no cost to the customer.  

India, fifth largest global market for passenger vehicles (cars, vans and utility vehicles), does not have a mandatory vehicle recall policy. Yet, 2.2 million vehicles have been voluntarily recalled in the past four years, based on a code introduced in July 2012 by the industry’s apex body, Society for Indian Automobile Manufacturers.   

Early this month, Hyundai, the country’s second biggest car maker, said it would recall 7,600 units of its Eon hatchback car, to inspect and address an issue with the clutch cable. Replacements, if needed, to be done free of cost. HITTING A SPEEDBUMP

• Both cars were made at their joint factory at Oragadam
• The French firm did not disclose the number of units being recalled
• It is doing a “pre-emptive and voluntary inspection” of the fuel system and to add a hose clip
• Nissan’s Datsun says it is conducting a voluntary recall on certain India-made redi-GOs
• Customers will not be charged for this recall
• India, fifth largest global market for passenger vehicles, does not have a mandatory vehicle recall policy