The National Consumer Commission has released a statement confirming that it has instituted an investigation into the activities of Ford Motor Company Southern Africa and its dealerships, for “alleged prohibited conduct”.
Speaking on the issue in the wake of the recent Kuga recall, NCC commissioner Ebrahim Mohamed said that his investigators this week served Ford SA with an investigation certificate.
“I can confirm that the NCC has instituted an investigation into the activities of Ford SA and its dealerships after receiving complaints alleging prohibited conduct. I further confirm that the NCC has duly notified Ford SA of this enforcement activity,” Mohamed said in the statement.
The commissioner added that the NCC had received more than 130 complaints against Ford SA relating to various issues, including the combusting of Kuga vehicles, since December last year. He said that complaints against the local arm of the US automaker “continue to be lodged with the NCC on a daily basis”.
“The NCC views allegations of prohibited conduct in a very serious light. We will leave no stone unturned in our quest to get to the bottom of the issues that have been raised by consumers,” promised Mohamed.
“We have received Ford SA’s investigation report, and together with the allegations that have been made by consumers, decided to investigate the matter. We plead with affected consumers to allow us the necessary space and time to thoroughly deal with the matter,” Mohamed added.
“A consumer rights violation is tantamount to a human rights violation. It is by no coincidence that the rights in the CPA are somewhat similar to those enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution,” Mohamed concluded.
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