Iconic Global Magazine Iconic Global Magazine is a global media company, focusing on business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and lifestyle.
Related Articles
AN ICONIC carmaker has been slammed over a “chaotic” recall which left 120,000 customers unable to drive their vehicles.
An immediate rare “strop-drive” order was put in place on certain models of their cars around the world.
Parent firm of Citroen, Stellantis, urgently recalled its motors which had been equipped with Takata airbags on June 20.
The “stop-drive” order was issued due to a potentially fatal airbag safety fault, as chemicals in them were found likely to deteriorate over time.
These airbag inflators could as a result rupture or lead to serious injury.
Consumer protection organisation, Which?, slammed Stellantis for their “chaotic” handling of the recall, and called on them to make urgent improvements.
120,000 customers have been left unable to drive their cars, with many having no alternative modes of transport, according to Which?.
No incidents are yet to be reported in the UK.
However, the consumer group has expressed its concern for the lack of clarity around available compensation for customers.
They outlined how “major upheaval” had been caused for customers who were reliant on their cars.
The organisation also reported the “many distressed drivers” who have been impacted by the recall.
This included one mother of a premature baby who had to attend regular hospital visits, as well as a woman caring for her terminally ill husband.
People have been forced to incur significant expenses for car hire, taxis or insurance.
Others have continued to drive their cars despite the risk, due to having no other choice.
Some owners who have taken their cars to the garage to be fixed have been left with confusing advise from their insurers, who have said they are covered to drive despite the manufacturer’s advise.
Head of consumer protection policy at Which?, Sue Davies, said: “From people left stranded with no means of transport, to those paying out a fortune to hire cars and taxis, the emotional and financial burden of this recall has fallen squarely on those least able to absorb it.
“Stellantis must urgently confirm it will pay compensation for alternative transport as well as offer practical solutions such as offering at-home repairs or towing affected cars to garages.
“If not, many people will see no alternative but to continue driving cars that are potentially very dangerous.”
She added: “The Government needs to step in and hold them to account to ensure UK consumers have much greater clarity of what they need to do and what they are entitled to – and are never left in this position again.”
Stellantis has indicated they will review providing alternative transport for customers on a “case-by-case basis”, prioritising those greatest in need.
Some have received a maximum compensation rate of £22.50 per day, that Which? consider to be far below the general cost of hiring a car around the country.
They added that Stellantis need to immediately address helpline issues and outline a formal compensation scheme.
Citroen have stated they expect all airbags to have been replaced by the end of next month.
“Our Citroen network is fully engaged in maximising the number of cars that can be completed every day and, to increase our repair capacity even further and minimise as much as possible the impact on customers, our Peugeot network is now authorised to replace airbags on these cars in addition to at-home options.
“It is inevitable, with such a large number of vehicles affected, that customers could be inconvenienced in the short term.”
“For each and every customer, we discuss options to support mobility, recognising that every driver has specific requirements.”
Replacement airbags at a dealership or at home, courtesy car, support for other mobility options and recovery have been offered as options.
Citroen customers are also advised to to check if their vehicle is affected and what actions are advised by using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check tool on the Citroen UK website.
If affected, owners can register their vehicle for repair or contact the recall helpline on 0800 917 9285, Citroen Customer Care on 0800 093 9393 or via Citroen’s website.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We understand how frustrating these recalls are for those affected.
“The safety of those drivers and their families remains the Transport Secretary’s top priority. She and the Future of Roads Minister are actively engaging with manufacturers and industry leaders to ensure any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.”
2
