SYDNEY (AP) — An Australian importer recalled 23,000
Chinese-made cars after asbestos was found inside engine and exhaust
gaskets, the nation’s consumer watchdog said Wednesday.
Ateco
Automotive, which imports the cars made by Great Wall Motor Co. and
Chery Automobile, ordered dealers to stop selling the affected vehicles
and recalled gaskets that were distributed as spare parts, the
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said in a statement.
"The
asbestos is bound into gaskets in the engine and exhaust system and
does not present any risk to consumers during use of the vehicle," the
watchdog agency said. "However, consumers should not perform
do-it-yourself maintenance that might disturb these gaskets."
Australia has prohibited the importation of asbestos — a known carcinogen — since
2004.
The recall is a blow to Great Wall and Chery, which have been looking to expand their
businesses beyond the domestic market.
Customs
officers initially detected the asbestos in imported spare parts, which
sparked a wider investigation, the consumer commission said.
Ateco did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
SYDNEY (AP) — An Australian importer recalled 23,000
Chinese-made cars after asbestos was found inside engine and exhaust
gaskets, the nation’s consumer watchdog said Wednesday.
Ateco
Automotive, which imports the cars made by Great Wall Motor Co. and
Chery Automobile, ordered dealers to stop selling the affected vehicles
and recalled gaskets that were distributed as spare parts, the
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said in a statement.
"The
asbestos is bound into gaskets in the engine and exhaust system and
does not present any risk to consumers during use of the vehicle," the
watchdog agency said. "However, consumers should not perform
do-it-yourself maintenance that might disturb these gaskets."
Australia has prohibited the importation of asbestos — a known carcinogen — since
2004.
The recall is a blow to Great Wall and Chery, which have been looking to expand their
businesses beyond the domestic market.
Customs
officers initially detected the asbestos in imported spare parts, which
sparked a wider investigation, the consumer commission said.
Ateco did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.