Report: More Cars Recalled Than Sold

DETROIT--An analysis by the Detroit News of recall data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveals that in 1999 more American cars were recalled than sold. Last year automakers sold 16.9 vehicles while recalling 19.9 million of them for an assortment of problems. The recall rate represents an all-time high.

The piece, written by Mark Truby, cites a number of possible reasons for the recall mania. People these days are more willing to complain and seek redress, and the cars are being made quicker and with more parts. With consumers’ ever-changing tastes and the resulting shorter product cycles--plus the increased complexity of the vehicles--“manufacturers must turn out new models and add features at faster rates,” Truby writes.

“The industry has been churing out cars at record rates, pushing the manufacturing system to its limits. Factories are often running on three shifts, six or seven days a week, and employees are working overtime at levels not seen since World War II,” according to Truby.

The article contains a rather complete recall recap along with a chart and other graphic elements.

To read the story, contact www.detnews.com/2000/autos/0009/29/a01-127269.htm.