Investigation into Kuga fires launched
South Africa's National Consumer Commission has received 130 complaints about the fire-prone Ford model since December.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has instituted an investigation into the activities of Ford Motor Company Southern Africa and its dealerships, for alleged prohibited conduct.
Speaking in the wake of the recent Ford Kuga 1.6 Eco Boost recall, NCC commissioner Ebrahim Mohamed said his investigators yesterday served Ford Motor Company with an investigation certificate and letter.
“I can confirm that the NCC has instituted an investigation into the activities of Ford SA and its dealerships after receiving complaints alleging prohibited conduct.
“I further confirm that the NCC has duly notified Ford SA of this enforcement activity,” said Mohamed.
He said the NCC had received more than 130 complaints against Ford SA relating to various issues, including the combusting of Kuga vehicles, since December last year. He said complaints against Ford SA continued to be lodged with the NCC daily.
“The NCC views allegations of prohibited conduct in a very serious light. We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to get to the bottom of the issues that have been raised by consumers.”
“We have received Ford SA's investigation report, and together with the allegations that have been made by consumers, decided to investigate the matter. “We plead with affected consumers to allow us the necessary space and time to thoroughly deal with the matter.
“A consumer rights violation is tantamount to a human rights violation. It is by no coincidence that the rights in the CPA are somewhat similar to those enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our constitution,” he said.
NCC spokesperson Trevor Hattingh said once the investigation had been completed, the commission would make a recommendation to the Consumer Tribunal.
They can recommend that Ford pay an administrative levy not exceeding 10% of its annual turnover. Unless there is a settlement, the tribunal will hold a hearing during which the commission and Ford will both have an opportunity to state their case, after which the tribunal will make a ruling.
Renisha Jimmy, sister of Reshall Jimmy who burnt to death in his Ford Kuga in December 2015, welcomed the investigation. She has been coordinating complaints by Kuga victims to the NCC.
Jimmy expressed her full confidence in the NCC and said the decision to launch a full investigation corroborated everything the family and other victims had been saying about Ford.
“The fact that the commission has decided to launch an investigation speaks for itself,” she said.
She said the family hoped that during the investigation special priority would be given to her brother's case.
MONEYWEB
Speaking in the wake of the recent Ford Kuga 1.6 Eco Boost recall, NCC commissioner Ebrahim Mohamed said his investigators yesterday served Ford Motor Company with an investigation certificate and letter.
“I can confirm that the NCC has instituted an investigation into the activities of Ford SA and its dealerships after receiving complaints alleging prohibited conduct.
“I further confirm that the NCC has duly notified Ford SA of this enforcement activity,” said Mohamed.
He said the NCC had received more than 130 complaints against Ford SA relating to various issues, including the combusting of Kuga vehicles, since December last year. He said complaints against Ford SA continued to be lodged with the NCC daily.
“The NCC views allegations of prohibited conduct in a very serious light. We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to get to the bottom of the issues that have been raised by consumers.”
“We have received Ford SA's investigation report, and together with the allegations that have been made by consumers, decided to investigate the matter. “We plead with affected consumers to allow us the necessary space and time to thoroughly deal with the matter.
“A consumer rights violation is tantamount to a human rights violation. It is by no coincidence that the rights in the CPA are somewhat similar to those enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our constitution,” he said.
NCC spokesperson Trevor Hattingh said once the investigation had been completed, the commission would make a recommendation to the Consumer Tribunal.
They can recommend that Ford pay an administrative levy not exceeding 10% of its annual turnover. Unless there is a settlement, the tribunal will hold a hearing during which the commission and Ford will both have an opportunity to state their case, after which the tribunal will make a ruling.
Renisha Jimmy, sister of Reshall Jimmy who burnt to death in his Ford Kuga in December 2015, welcomed the investigation. She has been coordinating complaints by Kuga victims to the NCC.
Jimmy expressed her full confidence in the NCC and said the decision to launch a full investigation corroborated everything the family and other victims had been saying about Ford.
“The fact that the commission has decided to launch an investigation speaks for itself,” she said.
She said the family hoped that during the investigation special priority would be given to her brother's case.
MONEYWEB
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