SIAM Announces Safety Recall Policy For Car Makers

In the wake of increasing complaints from car buyers with faulty cars, the Automobile industry body in the country - Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers'(SIAM) has announced a voluntary recall policy.

According to the new policy, all vehicle manufacturing companies have to follow standard procedures on detection of manufacturing glitches in their vehicles. The new policy from SIAM states that all vehicle manufacturers - two-wheeler makers, commercial vehicle makers, and vehicle exporters from the country need to voluntarily rectify, free of cost, any technical issue that affects safety.

Vehicles from seven years of manufacture will be covered under the new safety recall policy. Respective vehicle manufacturing companies should post notifications on their websites and publicise through other media, states the new policy.

SIAM President S Sandilya was quoted as saying: "The policy is a consensus of all the members and is another initiative towards our commitment to automotive quality and responsibility. All companies based in India will adhere to it voluntarily to rectify defects and secure their own brand image." The policy also recommends government intervention in case of proven violations.

"In case a manufacturer fails to announce a recall, where clear evidence is available as per the definition and guidelines, then the government or its concerned ministry may issue appropriate directions to the vehicle manufacturers for such violation," the policy states.

Unlike other countries, India has been lacking a proper recall policy which made car makers let go easily. Vehicle manufacturers have even been hesitant to publisice about their vehicles with technical issues fearing a decline in brand value and sales.