Car recalls fall by half

China recalled more than 3.08 million defective cars in the first seven months of this year, a drop of 50 percent compared with the same period last year, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine.

The recalls in July were mainly due to car body assembly faults, airbag and safety belt issues and minor problems with batteries and electrical equipment. 

About 420,000 vehicles were recalled due to electrical equipment problems, and 4,800 due to battery problems in July this year.

In 2018, the recalls were mainly due to engine and brake system problems. In July last year, around 650,000 vehicles were recalled due to engine problems.

About 6.13 million cars were recalled during January to July of 2018.

Passenger cars accounted for most of the  recalls during the first seven months of this year. In July, two commercial vehicle manufacturers,  Nanjing Golden Dragon Bus Co and Shanqi Delong issued recalls.

In terms of countries, imported vehicles accounted for 30.95 percent of the total number of recalls in July this year. Cars manufactured by joint-venture automakers account for 59.62 percent and domestic brands took up the remaining 9.43 percent.

Japanese, German and US auto brands were among the top three countries in terms of recalls in July, which account for 59.65,19.11 and 11.74 percent of the total. 

"The incident of defective Takata airbags has gradually decreased and there isn't any emerging trend of recalls, thus the overall situation is better compared with the previous year," said Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association.

"The battery pack problem for new-energy vehicles has become a new category but the overall number is small." 

Cui added that replacement of battery packs is a secure way to eliminate safety risks.