Driving suspension orders for BMW cars to be sent Thursday
- 6 years ago
The South Korean government is sending out a notice to thousands of local BMW owners telling them their vehicle CANNOT be driven on the nation's roads after a spate of car fires.
The ban applies to cars which have not yet been sent to BMW for safety checks under a nationwide recall.
Lee Seung-jae reports.
Yet another BMW burst into flames on Wednesday,... bringing the total number of BMW fires in South Korea to 40.
With safety concerns now at unprecedented heights,... the South Korean government is banning the operation of BMWs subject to recall that have yet to receive safety checks.
The ban affects tens of thousands of vehicles nationwide that BMW says contain a fire-causing faulty component.
The ban notice that will be sent on Thursday says drivers cannot use the cars except for taking them to safety checks.
Violating the ban is punishable by up to one year in prison, but the ministry says the focus will be on persuading drivers to take their vehicles for a check up as soon as possible.
However, the government says it will "aggressively" pursue charges against drivers if their vehicle catches fire after defying the ban.
The notice will be delivered to all drivers subject to the ban by early next week.
Once the owners of the fire-prone BMW cars receive the notice, they are legally obliged to immediately get a safety check.
BMW said this week that it will follow the government's decision.
It also said it will take all necessary steps to minimize inconvenience to its customers by providing them with replacement vehicles while their cars are being checked.
Drivers of BMWs that have already caught fire will hold a press conference on Thursday as they push for criminal charges against the management of BMW's local unit.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.
The ban applies to cars which have not yet been sent to BMW for safety checks under a nationwide recall.
Lee Seung-jae reports.
Yet another BMW burst into flames on Wednesday,... bringing the total number of BMW fires in South Korea to 40.
With safety concerns now at unprecedented heights,... the South Korean government is banning the operation of BMWs subject to recall that have yet to receive safety checks.
The ban affects tens of thousands of vehicles nationwide that BMW says contain a fire-causing faulty component.
The ban notice that will be sent on Thursday says drivers cannot use the cars except for taking them to safety checks.
Violating the ban is punishable by up to one year in prison, but the ministry says the focus will be on persuading drivers to take their vehicles for a check up as soon as possible.
However, the government says it will "aggressively" pursue charges against drivers if their vehicle catches fire after defying the ban.
The notice will be delivered to all drivers subject to the ban by early next week.
Once the owners of the fire-prone BMW cars receive the notice, they are legally obliged to immediately get a safety check.
BMW said this week that it will follow the government's decision.
It also said it will take all necessary steps to minimize inconvenience to its customers by providing them with replacement vehicles while their cars are being checked.
Drivers of BMWs that have already caught fire will hold a press conference on Thursday as they push for criminal charges against the management of BMW's local unit.
Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.