MG forced into product recall

MG Australia has been forced to announce a product recall over an issue it previously said didn’t exist.

Since arriving on the Australian scene nearly 18 months ago MG has only sold 12 MG 6 Sedans.

Fairfax Media was made aware of three separate compliance issues back in March that should have prevented the MG6 sedan from being sold in Australia. One related to the MG6 not being fitted with an appropriate child restraint anchorage point.

At the time, MG Australia spokesman Andrew Shaw denied the shortfalls in compliance. Asked specifically whether the compliance issues had prevented MG from selling vehicles in Australia, he said: “No, not at all. We’re on top of all of our compliance; we don’t have a single problem with compliance in Australia at this very moment.”

However, last Friday, a recall notice posted on the Australian Competition and Consumer (ACCC) website stated otherwise. 12 MG vehicles – believed to be the total number sold since MG re-emerged on the local market in 2013 under the ownership of one of China’s largest car makers, SAIC Motor Corporation – have been recalled for not having the appropriate child restraint anchorage in the centre seat.

“The rear centre seat position of the MG6 is not fitted with a Child Restraint Anchorage as required by Australian Design Rule 34/02,” say the recall notice on the ACCC website.

“Without an appropriate child restraint anchorage, the top tether of a child restraint cannot be attached, which may increase the risk of injury to an occupant in a severe accident,” the statement adds.

Where the recall leaves MG in Australia is yet to be determined. Millions of dollars worth or MG stock – upwards of 300 cars – is believed to be currently laying dormant in locations including the brand’s lone Australian dealership, a former Rick Damelian site on Sydney’s Parramatta Road.

The ACCC has instructed owners not utilise the middle seat of the MG6 for child safety seats: “Owners will be contacted directly as soon as parts become available to present their vehicle to a MG Dealer. Before having your vehicle rectified, please place child safety seat on the right or left rear seat instead of the centre one if needed”.