Mahindra to recall some XUV500 for window glitches

India's largest utility vehicle maker, Mahindra &Mahindra announced on Friday that it would carry out voluntary replacement of certain components of the select batch of its hot selling sports utility vehicle, XUV5OO.

A first recall from the company in the automotive space, M&M will replace three parts namely fluid hose, front power window units and left wiper blade cover of select number of over 60,000 to 65,000 units of XUV on the roads sold in 2011 and 2012. M&M did not disclose the number of vehicles, which needs replacement.

"This recall is in keeping with the M&M's customer centric approach as well the compliance with the recently announced voluntary code on vehicle recall," said the statement issued by the company. The company will carry out the replacement of parts free of cost and the replacement will be carried out immediately.

In the past, the Group's two wheeler division had stalled the production of Stallio because of product related issues. While, this is M&M's first recall, In the past car makers like Toyota, Honda and Maruti Suzuki have proactively resorted to voluntarily recall in case of faulty components.

Industry body, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer Association member companies implemented "Voluntary Code on Vehicle Recall" with effect from 1 stJuly 2012 . This voluntary recall code is a reinforcement of their sustained commitment towards the consumers and to the society at large by ensuring that the vehicles continue will perform effectively during its operation.

The Recall Code is a uniform frame work for recalling the vehicles by vehicle manufacturers. The code is applicable on the registered passenger cars, two wheelers and commercial vehicles. For CBU imports by the member companies or independent importers, the concerned importers shall bear the responsibility of enforcement of the code.

The Voluntary Code on Vehicle Recall will address potential issues that exist in a motor vehicle which do not meet the safety requirement due to manufacturing defect and the remedial actions taken in this regard. The vehicle shall be covered under safety recall for a period of seven years. The decision on Recall will take into account the degree of seriousness or severity of occurrence of any possible hazard involved.

The Code ensures that the recall information will also be posted on the company website and the communication will be received by the vehicle owners. The reported vehicle will be rectified by the manufacturer through its dealers at no cost to the customer. It was shared that the recall penetration rate may be improved by the correct information of vehicle owners.