There is no provision in the existing legal framework for the immobilization of Mazda Demio vehicles, which were recalled to replace the TAKATA brand airbag, as the Director of the Road Transport Department (TOM) Giorgos Loukas reported to KYPE. However, he noted that based on a proposed law that is being voted on, for vehicles that are at serious risk of recall, the certificate of suitability will be automatically suspended.
Responding to questions from the KYPE, Mr. Louka spoke of the huge volume of vehicles affected, following the announcement of a recall of Mazda Demio vehicles imported as used from non-EU countries to replace the TAKATA brand passenger airbag. He added that based on the information they have at the moment, the vehicles to be recalled in Cyprus amount to 11.000 and concern used imported vehicles.
Welcoming the positive response of Geo Pavlides Automotive, which is the distributor of the Mazda Demio vehicle manufacturer in Cyprus, he noted that they expect all dealers to respond based on a letter sent by TOM in early November. The letter requested car dealers to be informed of any recalls for their entire fleet, whether for imported vehicles or new vehicles purchased in Cyprus.
Mr. Louka noted that the Geo Pavlides Automotive company responded positively to the department's request and after checking with the manufacturer they immediately sent them the information that TOM posted on its website.
"It's a huge volume of vehicles, so we have to give the company some time to make the appropriate structures to be able to respond and serve the people," he said.
Regarding the circulation of the recalled vehicles, Mr. Loukas, explained that as the legal framework is at the moment there is no provision for immobilizing the vehicle, i.e. for removing the certificate of suitability.
However, he noted that based on the proposed law that will be submitted to the Plenary for a vote tomorrow, Thursday, for vehicles that are at serious risk of recall, the certificate of suitability will be automatically suspended and the vehicle will not be able to move.
It is noted that if the specific law proposal is passed, it will be implemented on January 31, 2025.
However, Mr. Luke mentioned that this is a huge volume of vehicles and the problem is not going to be fixed in a month. The company, he added, should put in place the appropriate structures to be able to respond, i.e. hire technicians who will deal only with the replacement of airbags.
At the same time, Mr. Louka said that the Ministry of Transport is considering various support measures for the owners of affected vehicles.
As for the administrative costs claimed by companies to replace the faulty airbags, he said this is being forwarded to the Consumer Protection Agency for handling.
