Despite the strict quality control that the Hiroshima-base automaker is employing on the production of its vehicles still there are defects or flaws that seem to slip undetected and unfortunately it is only when customers start complaining that such defects are discovered.

And just recently Mazda Motor Corporation has announced that it will be recalling more than 280,000 cars in Japan due to defects. This is currently the biggest vehicle recall of the automaker on record in Japan.

Mazda will recall 287,987 Demio and Verisa compact models produced between June 2003 and July 2006. The defects were found to affect the clutch systems and coil springs in the suspensions according to Mazda spokeswoman Aya Takahashi. She also added that so far there were no injuries or damage that have been reported but of course the automaker will not wait until for their customers to get hurt so they are announcing a recall.

The automaker will conduct the repairs for free however it did not specify the total cost of the current recalls.

Mazda spokeswoman Takahashi further stated that there are some 25,559 Demios much popularly known as Mazda2 overseas that were exported during that time. These cars are not included in the domestic recall but Mazda assured that it will handle the defects of exported models inline with local regulations.

Out of the 25,559 exported Demios, 20,850 were shipped to Australia, 1,166 vehicles were taken to New Zealand, 1,147 to Singapore, and 262 units to Hong Kong. The present 280,000 recall is the largest recall in Japan ever since the Mazda has began taking recall data in 1994 explained Takahashi. She said that the company’s previously recorded recall was for 162,405 vehicles which were in March of 2004.

One of the causes of the present recall is related to the coil springs with coatings that can be removed easily attributed to the inappropriate installation of the parts said Takahashi. The danger of this is that the coil will rust but the worst scenario is that it will break and might cause accident.

Another problem pertains to the material used to cap the hydraulic oil used in the clutch system since it could leak causing the clutch not to function properly.

Mazda Is not the only Japanese automaker that is experiencing an increasing number of recall this is because once defective products are found in a certain model it usually affects other models since usually this same parts like for example Mazda headlights are often used for multiple models among automakers.

Last March, Honda Motor Co. has also announced a recall of more than 290,000 vehicles from its 13 models. The reason for the recall was to repair a manufacturing defect that could stop the cars’ engines.

About Mazda Motor Corporation

Mazda Motor Corporation has started manufacturing tools since the year 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. Then in the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines.

Mazda’s headquarter is located in Hiroshima in western Japan and today the automaker ranks as one of Japan’s leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. Mazda’s overseas sales account for more than half of its total turnover. Mazda has two main production sites in Japan and 19 overseas facilities. The Overseas sites include joint ventures based in the United States, and also in Thailand. Ford Motor Company is Mazda’s largest shareholder.



By: Kraig Johanssen

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Aimed at mending problems with the coil springs and material used to cap the hydraulic oil, Grand Motors Incorporated is calling back 749 Mazda 2 and Verisa vehicles.

Following an announcement made by Mazda Motor Corp (Japan) to call back a total of 287,987 Demio (Mazda 2) and Verisa on Thursday, the said move was made by Grand Motors Incorporated.

Grand Motors Managing Director Frankie Ho said that he wanted to assure the customers that all affected vehicles will be fixed with no charge. In lieu of this, he added that the components to be used will be arriving very soon.

The VIN or the chassis number list of the affected Mazda 2 vehicles in Brunei Darussalam arrived yesterday through an email. Following Director Ho said that he will make it a point that all affected owners will be notified. According to him, this will be done via letter, email, telephone or advertisement in the local papers.

As regards the process of faulty part replacement, he said that they will separate the affected vehicles into groups to make the process easier. So far, this was Mazda’s biggest recall in Japan. The problems lie on the coil springs whose coating can be easily removed due to the improper installation of the parts. Under worst cases, rusts may occur on the coil that may result to breakage.

The other problem is that the material to cover the hydraulic oil which is used in the clutch system could leak. In effect, this causes the clutch to not function properly.

Mr. Ho said that more than 1,000 Mazda 2 models so far have been sold in Brunei Darussalam and, fortunately, they have not encountered even a single problem on the two issues. But according to him it is out of concern that Mazda opts to mend all the affected vehicles.

For more information, customers can contact 2453105 or 2453106.

The Director also encouraged the concerned owners to provide their car registration so that it would not be difficult for them to look into the affected VIN or chassis numbers.

About Mazda2

Mazda2 has several names including Demio, Mazda 121, Mazda Metro, and Ford Festiva Mini Wagon. Equipped with quality Mazda fuel filter, it is a small minivan or tall station wagon and was introduced in 1996.

Based on the 2005 records, 892,000 Mazda2 vehicles had been sold all over the world since its introduction. Mazda 2 vehicles had been sold in Brunei between 2004 and 2006.

With the transmissions of the Ford IB5, its predecessors are the Ford Festiva, Autozam Revue and the Mazda 121.

About Mazda Verisa

A tall hatchback that is based on the Mazda2 or Mazda Demio subcompact car, the Mazda Verisa is launched in 2004 and available only in Japan. Based on the 2005 records, 19,473 Verisas had been sold since introduction.

Mazda will give the Verisa a new logo in July this year.

About Mazda Motor Corporation

A Japanese auto maker that is based in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda Motor Corporation expected to build 1.25 million vehicles annually as of 2006. The sales will be evenly divided among Japan, Europe, North and Latin America.

Mazda’s 33.4 percent controlling interest is owned by Ford Motor Company.

About Grand Motors Incorporated

Grand Motors is the main distributor of Mazda vehicles in North America. Since 1993, they have been an established pre-owned vehicle dealership.

At their new facility are more than 80 cars in their inventory. And upon entering into their inventory, all vehicles are inspected, cleaned & detailed, and tested on the road. On all units, financing including options for extended warranties is available.



By: Kraig Johanssen

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