China TV report targets international car companies for faulty brake pads

China Central Television (CCTV) report on Sunday informed about the complaint by the nation’s safety watchdog this year that some imported brake pads meant for automobiles sold by international automakers, consisting of Volkswagen and Toyota were discovered to be faulty.

Leading foreign companies in China have in some cases been struck by consumer reaction after CCTV segments, with Volkswagen being targeted in 2015 in 2 separate investigations.

The near 20-minute report pointed out the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), which released statements in March and May, stating that of 467 shipments examined, 226 deliveries contained sub-standard brake pads.

While over 60 brand names were involved, nine foreign automakers and one supplier were discovered to have issues with 10 or more deliveries, CCTV stated. These included Volkswagen, Audi, Toyota, Jaguar Land Rover Ltd, BMW, Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai Motor, Kia Motors, Volvo and parts maker Textar.

The automakers and Textar have not made any comments yet.

The report mentioned a wide variety of issues from prospective brake failure at high temperatures to incorrect labeling.

A central government official recently cautioned that a U.S. automaker could be punished for monopolistic behavior, sparking worries that China could be using the investigation to strike back for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s remarks questioning the “One China” policy.