There was a 22 per cent increase in the number of vehicles having to be recalled across Europe in 2014, new figures have shown.
Data from the Stericycle European Recall and Notification Index found that there were 180 recalls throughout the continent in 2014 against just 147 the year before. In the UK alone the number of mass vehicle recalls by dealerships and manufacturers doubled year-on-year, jumping from 14 in 2013 to 28 last year.
Almost every car-maker around the world has to go through the rigmarole of a vehicle recall at some point – it illustrates that very technical and unforeseeable nature of the motor trade industry. Indeed, that is why individuals or businesses that sell or repair cars can also stand to gain massively from investing in a high quality combined motor trade insurance policy. This will ensure that they are protected from a wide range of damaging incidents that could occur in the future including theft, damage, natural hazards, equipment failure and workplace injuries.
Despite the increasing number of recalls across Europe in 2014, Stericycle points out that just two of these were compulsory, while the rest were precautionary. This, the company states, indicates a growing trend amongst car manufacturers in Europe to take a more proactive strategy and voluntarily recall vehicles.
Managing director Farzad Henareh commented: “Overall these results show that whilst there is a growth in the number of cars being recalled, there is also a trend towards taking pre-emptive action. Car manufacturers are opting to put customer safety first and enter the recall process with determination and resolve.”