Tony Weber, FCAI
The Takata recall enquiry website IsMyAirbagSafe.com.au and publicity campaign has had a successful first week.
Over 769,000 visitors lodged 1.23 million enquiries on the custom-made recall website to see if it contains one of the nearly two million Takata airbags still in circulation.
Roughly 350,000 people used their smartphones to make their enquiries, including over 5000 who used the text-messaging service to receive directions on having their airbag replaced.
The campaign which went live on July 29 across all print, digital and broadcast media forms, has netted a one in nine success rate for enquiries confirming a Takata airbag. Radio broadcasts began in August to reach out to rural communities.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) which conducted the “Don’t Die Wondering” Takata recall campaign under requirement from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), says it’s the largest effort ever made by the organisation.
“There are just over three million vehicles across Australia affected by the Takata recall and the industry is now about halfway through that task,” FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says.
“It is interesting to note that a large proportion of the website visitors are checking more than one vehicle,” he explains.
“The campaign was specifically designed to both raise public awareness of this issue and to motivate vehicle owners to use our web tool to deliver a quick and easy answer,” Weber adds.
“We’re pleased how the public has responded to this important safety message.”
Nissan Australia has been flying technicians into remote areas in Torres Strait to replace inflators more than 250 kilometres from there nearest Nissan Dealer or authorised aftermarket mechanic.
Nissan has flown R&R Motors technicians from Thursday Island to islands of Boigu, Saibai, Yam, Warraber and Kubin to replace airbags in local police Navaras.
There are still 120,000 Nissans, according to the company, that have not “presented for repair” under the mandatory recall.
“I hope our commitment to the Australian Islands in the Torres Strait shows the lengths that Nissan will go to to get the job done,” says Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester.
“Nissan will not rest until every last recalled Takata airbag is replaced,” he adds.
