Auto recalls down sharply

China recalled more than 2.75 million defective cars in the first six months of this year, a drop of more than 43 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The improvement is largely due to a decrease in defective Takata airbags, which were mostly recalled last year because some exploded when deployed.

About 4.92 million cars were recalled in the first half of 2018. 

In terms of countries, German car brands recalled more than 1.8 million vehicles, accounting for nearly 66 percent of the total. 

In terms of new-energy vehicles, Shanghai-based electric car company NIO recalled over 4,800 vehicles to replace the battery packs, the first time an NEV startup had conducted such a recall.

"With the rising awareness of domestic automakers and the increasing complexity of products, recalls are becoming more frequent," said Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association. 

Cui added that recalls have become a mature mechanism to solve vehicle problems, protect the public and help the industry. About 50,000 vehicles were recalled in June, mainly for problems in electrical equipment.