Park Jin-hai primarily focuses on K-dramas, entertainment shows and actor interviews. Beyond that, she also pens articles covering the broader arts scene, with a particular emphasis on classical music, dance and various aspects of lifestyle. Since joining The Korea Times in 2013, she has made significant contributions in the realms of hallyu (Korean wave), industry news and international affairs.
Ssangyong Motor to recall 110,000 cars for defective wheel
By Park Jin-hai
Ssangyong Motor will recall more than 110,000 cars sold here due to defective wheels, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Friday.
It will recall four models because defective ball joints may cause the wheels to separate from the axle, leading to an accident.
It is the largest recall that the local automaker has done here.
The ball joints are the pivot between the wheels that play a critical role in the safe operation of an automobile's steering.
The defective ball joints affected 112,920 units of four models ― Rexton, Kyron, Actyon and Actyon Sports ― which were produced between June 1, 2005, and Nov. 17, 2010.
Kyron is the subject of the largest recall with 37,313, followed by the Actyon with 28,724 and Actyon Sport with 27,068.
The company began repairing these vehicles’ defective parts free of charge in April.
“After local automotive fan clubs for the vehicles raised the need for a recall, we have discussed the matter with the land ministry,” said a company official. “Up to today, about 50 percent of the repairs for the affected vehicles have been completed,” he added.
Free repairs are available from Friday at any Ssangyong Motor service center. Those who have previously repaired the part at their own expenses can apply for compensation. For more information, contact 080-500-5582.
Fuel efficiency compensation
In the mean time, compensation for the alleged overstated fuel efficiency claims made relating to the Korando Sports CX7, will have to wait until a court hands out a verdict in the ongoing lawsuit.
The company said it will not carry out any compensation plans until the outcome of the lawsuit is announced.
Ssangyong was fined for exaggerating the gas mileage of its Korando Sports 2-liter diesel by nearly 11 percent in June. Some 720 owners of the vehicle filed a class action suit.
“We are going to compensate in accordance with the outcome of the suit as the lawsuit trial has already begun,” a Ssangyong official said.
Some 37,000 Korando Sports have been sold locally, while 22,000 were sold overseas. Ssangyong discontinued the model in December last year.
The mileage issue first emerged last year when drivers here questioned the fuel economy figures for some of the cars after Hyundai Motor was sued for overstating the fuel efficiency of several of its cars in the United States in 2012.