Recall of Montero Sport units not yet final, executory —DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday clarified that its decision to recall  automatic transmission units of the Mitsubishi Montero Sport was not yet final and executory.

"The resolution isn't yet final as MMC (Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.) claims evidence they had wasn't considered," Trade Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Teodoro Pascua said in a text message.

"In short, it's still being evaluated and it would be unfair to both to say anything as of now," Pascua added.

The DTI official noted that the resolution of DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) showed that there was no sudden unintended acceleration (SUA) as alleged by complainants in late 2015, but there was a defective pedal displacement design, which is also viewed as unsafe and dangerous.

"The one who got a copy now showed walang SUA evidence, so they are dissatisfied pero they capitalize on the design defect and highlight the recall, etc. consequence," Pascua said.

In an order issued May 10, the FTEB asked Mitsubishi Philippines to cease and desist from marketing and selling units of Montero Sport automatic transmission 2010-2015 models, refund owners of the vehicles subject of recall, including the 24 complainants in the case; and pay an administrative fine of P300,000.

"Best we allow FTEB to resolve the matter with finality and not be quoted or misquoted at a premature time," Pascua noted.

"DTI in any case will certainly make public its final decision when the time comes," he added.

In a statement released to the media, Mitsubishi Philippines also clarified that the DTI-FTEB directive was "not yet final and executory." The company also noted that it has filed a motion for reconsideration.

"It is important that in the findings of the DTI-FTEB [it] found that there is no basis for any claims of Sudden Unintended Acceleration in the Montero Sport," Mitsubishi Philippines said.

"We remain confident of the technical integrity of these models, and will robustly defend the safety compliance of the vehicle concerned," it added.

The company also emphasized that in any other market, no safety-related concerns on SUA have been raised on the 2010-2015 Montero Sport model, of which 360,000 units have been sold around the world.

"We will not commit further until the adjudication process is complete," it said. — John Ted Cordero/MDM, GMA News