BMW to recall 360,000 cars in China over Takata airbags

Germany’s BMW will recall 360,000 vehicles in China as part of the worldwide effort to root out defective airbags made by now-defunct Japanese supplier Takata, regulators in Beijing said.

Around 20 people have died in accidents linked to defects in Takata airbags since 2013, prompting a massive worldwide recall of at least 100 million cars from a wide range of manufacturers.

The recall will affect nearly 273,000 models built by BMW’s joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Brilliance Automotive and more than 87,000 imported BMW cars, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said.

The agency said in statement posted on its website late Tuesday that a defect could cause the airbags to eject debris at passengers if deployed. It did not mention any specific incidents caused by the BMW-installed airbags. The China recall affects more than two dozen different BMW models built between 2000 and 2018, including several each in the i, X and M series, along with other models.

The suspect parts will be replaced for free, the notice said. Founded in 1933, Takata went out of business in 2017 because of the airbag crisis. The BMW announcement came as global carmakers were gathered for the Shanghai Auto Show amid a rare sales slump in the world’s largest vehicle market.

Recently, the german automaker launched a new version of Z4 Roadster in India, priced at Rs 64.9 lakh (ex-showroom). The model comes in two engine variants—the BMW Z4 sDrive20i and the BMW M Performance model, the BMW Z4 M40i, the company said in a statement.  The Z4 sDrive20i variant is priced at Rs 64.9 lakh, while the Z4 M40i trim is tagged at Rs 78.9 lakh.

“The all-new BMW Z4 Roadster is our brand-new addition to the company’s long history of engrossing roadsters. With dynamic proportions, emotional design and thrilling sportiness, this open-top two-seater takes the classic roadster into the world of tomorrow,” BMW Group India President Hans-Christian Baertels said.

Apart from this, the German automaker also introduced a new diesel variant of 6 Series Gran Turismo sedan in India, priced at Rs 63.9 lakh (ex-showroom). Locally produced at the company’s plant in Chennai, the BMW 620d Gran Turismo diversifies the model’s diesel portfolio.

(With inputs from PTI)