With Suzuki Motor saying it was recalling a large number of its Swift car models in Japan, Maruti Suzuki, its Indian subsidiary, has clarified that Swifts sold in India are completely safe and there were no plans to replace it.
“Swift cars sold in India are all indigenously developed and are absolutely safe. We have a huge plant here where we make our cars and our Swift in India is absolutely safe, with no such mirror screw problem,” said a spokesperson of the country’s largest carmaker.
According to agency reports, Suzuki Motor, Japan’s fourth largest car maker, would recall 90,617 units of its Swift and three other car models in Japan to fix a possible door mirror defect. About 192,000 cars sold abroad by Suzuki would also possibly be subject to repairs. The company exports car to a few European countries.
The company decided to recall the car after the defect — screws in the sideview mirror could loosen because of strong vibrations, possibly causing mirrors to dislodge — was detected.
The company received 77 complaints, but no accidents had been reported in Japan due to the defect.
The recall starts tomorrow and would also affect 19,426 vehicles sold in Japan that Suzuki supplied to Nissan Motor Co.
The Swift is one of the most popular hatchbacks in India and also worldwide. Launched in India in 2005, it has won the Car-of-the-Year award in as many as 11 countries, along with having over 40 national and international awards to its credit.
The model has also created a Guinness world record for the largest gathering of cars, in May when the company organised a massive parade in Gurgaon.
The company is also launching the new 2011 model in the Indian and international markets. The new model will have a K-series engine and completely refurbished interiors, with better quality plastics and a re-designed dashboard.
The front will have a retractable screen, automatic climate control, Bluetooth and a USB support. It also features steering mounted controls and complete digital console.
