- Title: JAPAN/FILE: Mazda recalls 52,000 vehicles over spider web problems
- Date: 5th March 2011
- Summary: COMPUTER SCREEN
- Embargoed: 20th March 2011 12:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Japan
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Light / Amusing / Unusual / Quirky,Transport
- Reuters ID: LVAD7SVETCBLKSMMI56Y9Z6CK2QS
- Story Text: Mazda motors recalled over 50,000 cars on Friday (March 4) over concerns about a build up of spiders webs inside the emission system, although the recall is unlikely to cause major disruptions in business.
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a summary that the spider webs may restrict a vent line, which could cause the emissions control system to increase pressure inside the fuel tank.
The build up of spider webs in its cars' emissions systems could lead to fuel tank cracks and possible leaks.
As for why the spiders chose Mazda for their new home, the Mazda6, know as the Atenza in Japan, Automotive Journalist Mitsuhiro Kunisawa said that the Yellow Sac spider that was causing the problem, was drawn by the smell of fuel.
"While it's very rare, this spider's distinguishing characteristic is that it likes the smell of gasoline, caused by the hydrogen oxide. Once it smells the gasoline from outside, it will go inside. In the U.S., it's a relatively common type of spider," Kunisawa said.
The company has recalled 52,000 of the affected vehicle, although Kunisawa explained that the problem was likely limited to the Mazda6.
"The car affected by the recall this time, the Mazda6, has two pipes coming from its gasoline tank. This type of car that has two pipes coming out is extremely rare. Therefore, there's no need to worry about other Mazda cars, and normally there shouldn't be any problems with other cars that have two pipes," said Kunisawa.
The affected model, the Mazda6, has two pipes coming out from its gas tank, which is extremely rare and means that the smell of gasoline is strong enough to draw the spider in but not strong enough to kill it, Kunisawa added.
As part of the recall, dealers will install a spring to prevent types of spider such as the Yellow Sac from entering the vent line.
While Japanese maker Toyota saw its share price take a massive hit when it recalled nearly 8 million of its best-selling models in the United States over defective floor mats and accelerator pedals, Kunisawa noted that the size of the recall this time was unlikely to move Mazda's share price.
"This recall involves 50 to 60 thousand cars. While this would influence stocks if it seriously affected Mazda image, this sort of 60-70 thousand unit recall is often done even by U.S. makers. I don't think there's anything to be too worried about," Kunisawa said when asked what repercussions the recall could have.
Mazda, Japan's fifth biggest automaker, saw North American sales rise over 13 percent in February, it also has plans to enter the electric car market in Japan next year. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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