South Africa’s NCC launches investigation concerning Ford’s Kuga SUV recall

South Africa’s National Consumer Commission (NCC) stated it has launched an investigation into the local unit of U.S. automaker Ford concerning the recall of 4,500 Kuga SUVs after reports of the vehicles catching fire spontaneously.

Ford’s Southern Africa President Jeff Nemeth in January stated the automaker might confirm 39 incidents of the cars and trucks catching fire, and one death, which Nemeth stated was not straight connected to the problem.

Ford’s South African unit stated they would cooperate with the investigation.

“The National Consumer Commission states that it has set up an investigation into the activities of Ford Motor Company Southern Africa and its car dealerships, for alleged prohibited conduct,” the commission stated on its website on Thursday.

“The NCC got over 130 complaints against Ford SA associating with various problems, including the combusting of Kuga vehicles, since December last year,” it stated.

A spokesperson for Ford’s Southern Africa unit, Rella Bernardes informed the firm had followed safety regulations.

“We have received the notice from the NCC and will continue to totally cooperate with them on all fronts. At all times, we run in line with the Safety Recall Guidelines in regards to the Consumer Protection Act, 2008,” she stated.