Mitsubishi Motors Corporation implemented a self-initiated safety inspection
campaign over a three-month period, from 22 January through 22 April,
in which it inspected front wheel hubs and replaced worn hubs on certain
Mitsubishi heavy-duty vehicles at no cost to owners. The company contributed
to improved road and traffic safety through the campaign by impressing
the importance of proper inspection and servicing practices on heavy-duty
vehicle owners and operators, sales and servicing company personnel, and
those in other relevant organizations.
For the added convenience of owners, and to promote the effectiveness
of the campaign, the company extended the free inspection period by one
month for owners and operators who booked vehicles in by 22 April.
The percentage of vehicles covered by the campaign that had been inspected
as at 22 April was 73.1%. The company expects this figure to rise above
90% by the end of May. The percentage of heavy-duty vehicles on which
front hubs have been replaced was 16.3% as at 22 April.
Mitsubishi Motors is continuing its efforts to ensure all vehicles covered
by the campaign are inspected free of charge. The company is re-contacting
owners and operators who have not yet had their vehicles inspected and
urging them to bring them in. And rather than simply waiting for vehicles
to be brought in, the company is also sending staff out to inspect vehicles
covered by the campaign. As a result of the inspections and inquiries
completed to date, Mitsubishi Motors believes that abnormal wheel hub
wear and failure are preventable through proper vehicle use and appropriate
inspection and servicing practices.
While JAMA is taking action to promote awareness about and to prevent
accidents involving wheel detachment, Mitsubishi Motors is committed to
continuing its efforts to prevent wheel detachment accidents. With the
cooperation of owners and sales and servicing companies, Mitsubishi Motors
will employ the experience and valuable information gained through the
current self-initiated service campaign in its vehicle development activities.
To ensure greater road and traffic safety, the company will also seek
further cooperation from owners, operators, servicing companies and sales
companies in promoting and encouraging proper vehicle inspection and servicing
practices.
Attachments
- Report
on self-initiated inspection campaign & investigation findings
- Self-initiated
service campaign & efforts to prevent further accidents
|
Copyright
2002 by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.