Tata Daewoo told to recall 3,276 trucks in S Korea

The South Korean government has ordered Tata Daewoo Commercial Vehicle, Tata Motors’ joint venture here, to recall 3,276 trucks due to safety reasons in the steering system in its three models, officials said today.

The measures cover 19 tonne, 19.5 tonne and 25 tonne trucks made from August 16, 2004, to the end of 2007, the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said. A total of 3,276 vehicles were made during that period, Yonhap news agency reported.

Government inspectors said the auxiliary system functions for less than three minutes, failing to meet minimum safety requirements set for such large commercial trucks.

Owners of affected vehicles can visit maintenance shops of Tata Daewoo from Monday and get free repairs.

Tests conducted on the vehicles showed problems in the auxiliary control mechanism that is used when the main power steering system malfunctions.

Tata Daewoo was launched in March 2004, when Tata Motors purchased South Korean truck makers. Tata Daewoo is the second largest heavy duty commercial vehicle manufacturer in the country, the website of the company says.

The company produces cargo, dumpers, tractors, mixers and special purpose vehicles.