Photo: BMW
Chinese media reports that the Defective Product of Administration Center, a branch under the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, has opened an official investigation into the use of asphalt by a number of luxury carmakers who produce cars locally.
Asphalt has been used as a base material for the damping plates designed to absorb vibrations and noise in the cabin. If heated, the material will produce certain gasses and particles that have significantly increased risk of lung, stomach, bladder, and nonmelanoma skin cancer. Asphalt is used primarily in the roofing and paving industries, but we can have some soundproofing qualities as well.
The report was first aired on China Central Television yesterday and sparked outrage. Asphalt has already been found in six damping plate samples from Audi's A6 and Q5 models, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, as well as BMW 3-Series and 5-Series.
Since these damping plates are in proximity with the engine and exhaust, it's only natural that people should be concerned. CCTV reported that one C-Class owner has been experiencing frequent coughing and dizziness for two years.
This sounds like something that requires a recall and official apology!
The report was first aired on China Central Television yesterday and sparked outrage. Asphalt has already been found in six damping plate samples from Audi's A6 and Q5 models, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and E-Class, as well as BMW 3-Series and 5-Series.
Since these damping plates are in proximity with the engine and exhaust, it's only natural that people should be concerned. CCTV reported that one C-Class owner has been experiencing frequent coughing and dizziness for two years.
This sounds like something that requires a recall and official apology!
Google News