Honda Thailand recalling 2,700 vehicles as safety precaution

BANGKOK, Jan 31 (TNA) — A total of 2,700 Honda City cars sold in Thailand in 2008 will be recalled, said Adisak Rohitasune, senior vice president of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

No mechanical irregularities were reported in Thailand, according to the company, but because a specific mechanism has misfunctioned elsewhere, Honda is effecting its recall in Thaiand as well.

The planned recall of Honda City cars in Thailand came after Honda announced a global recall of 646,000 Honda ‘Jazz’ and ‘City’ cars manufactured between 2007 and 2008 in Brazil, Japan, China, Malaysia, India and Thailand due to defective window switches.

A leak was found allowing water to penetrate near an electrical switch for the window on the driver’s side which could lead to an electrical short circuit. Two incidents were reported in the US and one in South Africa.

Mr. Adisak said only 2,700 Honda City cars using a similar electric circuit were sold in Thailand in 2008. He said they will be recalled although no accident has been reported here. If any defect is found in any car, the company will repair it, he said.

The Honda executive said he is optimistic that the planned recall would not affect sales of the car.

Vallop Tiasiri, president of Thailand Automotive Institute, said it is common practice internationally when defects are found that vehicles are recalled by the producer for further inspection.

It is the responsibility of the producer and consumers should not be alarmed, Mr. Vallop said. (TNA)