The Defective Products Management Center, which is under the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of People's Republic of China (AQSIQ), recently released the "Review and Preview of the Auto Recall System."

During the 5-year period from October 1, 2004, when the Administrative Regulations on Recalls of Defective Automobile Products came into force, to the end of 2009, the AQSIQ has received 212 active recalls from almost 60 Chinese and foreign carmakers, and more than 3.21 million units were recalled. The recall frequency is also on the increase year-on-year with the average frequency rate rising to 57 times in 2009 compared with 10 times in 2004 and 47 times in 2008.

According to experts from the Defective Products Management Center, almost 900,000 units were recalled during the 5 years as a result of the AQSIQ's investigations. According to statistics, of the 1.36 million units recalled in 2009, 24.37 percent was a result of investigations by the AQSIQ's Defective Products Management Center, proving that the supervision over auto recalls is being strengthened in China.

Reporters learned that there were altogether 57 auto recalls in China in 2009, involving a total of more than 1.36 million units, up over 150 percent compared to 2008. Among them, of which China-made vehicles were recalled 29 times, involving more than 1.28 million units and imported cars were recalled 28 times, involving 81,400 units. Both recall frequency and units hit a record high in China's auto recall history. In addition, there was a marked change that Chinese auto brands played a more active role in 2009 auto recalls.

According to statistics, China's auto recalls involved 33 automakers in 2009, including not only top international brands such as Maserati, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Land Rover, Jaguar, and Volvo, but also Chinese auto brands such as Geely and Great Wall Motor. Among the 33 automakers, Toyota Motor, Chang'an Ford Mazda, and Volvo recalled 4 times; Jaguar 3 times; Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Shanghai Volkswagen, Dongfeng Nissan, and FAW 2 times; while Geely, Brilliance Jinbei, and Renault Trucks achieved the zero auto recall breakthrough. In addition, the average accomplishment ratio of auto recalls was over 85.5 percent in 2009.