Zhejiang questions Toyota recall in China

In Zhejiang Province, the bureau of industrial and commercial administration along with the Commission for the Protection of Consumers' Rights, say they are unhappy about different treatments meted out to buyers of cars made by Toyota.

They say that while the Japanese car-maker pulled back 16 models in North America, only the RAV-4 was recalled in China. 7,000 RAV-4 vehicles were sold in Zhejiang, one tenth of the total in the country. They are also unhappy that Toyota has not offered the same level of service or compensation provided in other countries. For example, consumers in the United States can receive recall services that go right to their door steps, and compensation for those who have to bring their cars in themselves. These services and subsidies are not available in China.

Qiu Baochang, Legal Chief, China Consumers' Association, said, "In fact, I think it is the first time that the Chinese governmental sector has expressed its attitude towards Toyota's massive recall. The recalls have not just affected 7 thousand Toyota consumers, but also made other producers and dealers nervous."