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Cyprus could see up to 50,000 cars recalled due to the dangerous Takata airbags, a defective part responsible for deaths and injuries around the world, including in Cyprus. The alarming numbers were revealed by MP Stavros Papadouris during an interview on ANT1 TV today, where he detailed the serious consequences of this ongoing safety issue.
Papadouris emphasized that only around 800 replacement airbags are currently available, a stark contrast to the large number of affected vehicles. While it is known that 11,181 Mazda Demio cars imported from third countries are already under recall due to faulty passenger-side airbags, the situation is about to worsen. The upcoming recall, which would affect up to 50,000 vehicles, is set to include faulty driver-side airbags, raising concerns over the safety of drivers and passengers alike.
Adding to the urgency, Papadouris pointed out that even if a bill on the recall procedure is passed by the House of Representatives on Monday, citizens may face serious delays. The Department of Road Transport is expected to suspend the certificates of fitness for affected vehicles immediately, but dealerships won’t have enough time to replace the defective airbags, even with an extension until early February.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that many rental car fleets are also under recall, making it impossible for rental companies to provide temporary replacements for affected car owners.
Papadouris also highlighted a concerning piece of information. If verified, it would mean an even larger disruption to the recall process, leaving thousands of car owners stranded with no clear solution in sight.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how authorities will handle the scale of the recall and ensure the safety of all drivers on the road.
With information from 24News