Two new cases of fire related to the batteries of Volvo EX30 have prompted the Thai consumer protection authority to consider a civil action against the Swedish company. Reuters reports this, adding that it is not a bolt from the blue for Volvo. In fact, in February the company had already recalled over 40,000 units of EX30 worldwide to replace the battery modules precisely because of a defect that could have caused the battery packs to overheat and the potential risk of fire.
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Risk of civil action against Volvo
Now the stakes are raised. In recent days, the Thai consumer protection authority has stated that it would forward the complaints related to the fire risk to an internal committee, a move that could lead to a civil action against Volvo Thailand and its dealers. Specifically, the agency is requesting reimbursement, increased with interest, for 45 people who have filed complaints. In other words: the civil action aims to obtain compensation, not a criminal sanction.
New fire cases on EX30
According to Patcharin Sumsiripong, secretary of the Prime Minister’s Office, Volvo will meet with the consumer protection authority tomorrow. This decision follows the great frustration of customers over delays in delivery of spare parts. Last December, in fact, the Swedish company had begun advising owners in over a dozen countries, including the United Kingdom (and obviously Thailand), to limit charging to 70% as a temporary measure. But the Thai authorities have stated that this measure has proven insufficient.
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Frustration among customers
We will see how Volvo reacts. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Swedish brand said that some delays are due to the war in Iran. And added that incidents remain rare, with fires reported in 0.1% of affected vehicles. They also reported that the recall has been reduced from 40,323 to 37,802 cars. Commercial director Erik Severinson instead acknowledged customer disappointment, and said that the company now has a good supply of batteries.
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