China examines allegations over air quality problems inside vehicles

A senior source from a major auto company has refuted allegations that components in its cars have caused air quality problems inside vehicles.
This follows a report by China Central Television (CCTV) on March 19, 2013, which alleged that certain types of high-end car brands, including Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz manufactured in China, have used an asphalt-based product to make damping plates used to absorb vibrations and noise, a product that contains carcinogenic material.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer has listed asphalt as a carcinogenic substance, said the report.
The source, who did not want to be identified, said that using asphalt derivatives to make damping plates is common practice in the auto industry.
“There are different grades of asphalt used in cars for damping plates and it’s considered safe to use in the European Union,” the source said.
China’s quality watchdogs have launched an investigation and called for the three companies involved to also investigate the claims, according to China News Service.
Tong Huaxi, who bought a Mercedes-Benz in December 2011, said that his car has a strange smell inside.
“I noticed the strange smell in June 2012. It smells like paint and has an odor like rubber. I drive with the window down now,” Tong told the Global Times.
On March 1, 2012, the Guidelines for Air Quality Assessment of Passenger Cars issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection took effect. It stipulates the levels of eight chemicals inside vehicles. No punishment is listed for guideline violations, however.
Zhou Meng, who bought a Mercedes in February 2009, agreed that the update from the suggested guideline to a compulsory law is important.
“I didn’t expect that a Mercedes would have quality problems. And till now the company hasn’t given us a statement to explain the whole thing,” said Zhou.
The three auto companies have all stated via their official Sina microblogs that they are investigating the claims and will cooperate with authorities.
(March 27, 2013)