General Motors in China is up for a recall run of close to 1.5 million units (15 lakh). General Motors is present in China through a joint venture with SAIC Motor Corp, and the affected models are the Buick Excelle and the Chevrolet Sail. The fault appears to be with a bracket that secures the fuel pump. According to the recall statement, the bracket could crack and collapse after prolonged use and may prove hazardous. However, GM also defends the statement saying that this event has not occurred in any of the models and that the recall is a precautionary measure.
Both the models in discussion are sold in high volumes in China. The GM-SAIC developed Chevrolet Sail is also exported to the emerging markets, so the recall is going to be a big affair for the American carmaker. General Motors was enjoying popularity in the Chinese market, partly owing to the anti-Japan protests which had given way to the competition. GM sold about 2.89 million vehicles in 2013 excluding December, recording a 11.4 percent rise in sales compared to last year. However it did lose the top spot to Volkswagen.
Shanghai General Motors Co Ltd. states that the recall was just a preventive measure and this shouldn’t affect their reputation. General Motors India was also under the scanner post the Tavera MPV recall, where 1.14 lakhs units were recalled citing certain emission issues. During the same period, the diesel Sail sedan and hatchback were also affected due to quality issues. The Sail sedan in India is the same GM China developed product. Whether the same problem persists in the Indian model remains to be seen.
