Asked by: Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency on issuing a further recall for Vauxhall Zafira cars following reports that some vehicles that have already had both recalls are still having problems with burning and melting to the heater systems.
Answered by Andrew Jones
I have had discussions with the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) about the progress of the Vauxhall Zafira safety recalls. DVSA is investigating reports concerning the safety of the Zafira, including reports of thermal incidents in vehicles subject to the recall, and those that have had the second recall. If needed, DVSA will explore the possibility of extending the existing recall, and is keeping this matter under review. DVSA will continue to press Vauxhall to meet its safety obligations under the General Product Safety Regulations and associated legislation.
Asked by: Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will assess the potential effect of the Peugeot-Citroen deal to buy Vauxhall-Opel on the (a) availability and (b) level of compensation for customers affected by Vauxhall car fires.
Answered by Andrew Jones
A change in corporate ownership has no impact on the responsibilities of the producer/distributor towards the consumer. Compensation for vehicles affected by a safety recall is a matter for the producer/distributor to agree with the individual consumer. Any Vauxhall vehicle that is currently subject to a safety recall will remain so irrespective of a change in corporate ownership.
Asked by: Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what matters were discussed at his meeting with lawyers acting for claimants against Volkswagen on 22 February 2017.
Answered by John Hayes
The Government wants Volkswagen to face the appropriate legal consequences for their actions.
On the 22 February I met representatives of legal firms preparing civil action against Volkswagen. They set out how they believe the Government could support their action and I am now considering these requests.
As these matters relate to potential legal action it is not appropriate to comment further.
Asked by: Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Scottish National Party - Glasgow South)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in Germany and the US on the warranty for the retrofit of Volkswagen cars.
Answered by John Hayes
We estimate that the vast majority of the wrongdoing took place in Germany and so it is appropriate that the German authorities lead the investigation and in pursuing any resolution with Volkswagen. However, I have discussed Volkswagen with my German counterpart and explained that the Government wants Volkswagen’s UK and European customers to receive a warranty when they have the “technical fix” applied to their vehicles. I have not so far discussed this with my American counterparts.