BMW apologises for engine fires that sparked South Korean probe
The carmaker is being sued by 17 owners for damages, according to a lawyer representing them, and dozens more are set to start legal action soon
German carmaker BMW apologised on Monday for engine fires in South Korea that angered consumers and sparked a government investigation into an alleged delay in recalling more than 100,000 cars.
More than 30 BMWs – mostly the 520d model – have caught fire this year in South Korea, forcing the firm to issue a recall last month to fix a faulty component that was aimed at reducing emissions from diesel engines.
“We offer our sincere apology with our heads down for causing concern and anxiety among customers, the public and the government due to recent fire accidents,” said Kim Hyo-joon, head of BMW’s Korea unit. “We also offer a sincere apology … to customers who suffered the latest fire accidents.”
Kim was speaking at a press conference in Seoul where he bowed his head deeply in front of television cameras.
