Ford Kuga Fires: 'This is not a proper recall'

GEORGE NEWS - The Jimmy family’s battle for justice after the horrific death of their brother, Reshall Jimmy (33), who burned to death trapped inside his car, saw auto giant Ford SA recall thousands of its Kuga vehicles earlier this week.

Ford SA and the National Consumer Commission (NCC) recalled the 1.6 Kuga made between December 2012 and February 2014 due to overheating issues following reports of nearly 50 vehicles across the country bursting into flames.

Jimmy's sister, Renisha, told the George Herald on Tuesday they are relieved, but that they have mixed feelings about the recall. "This is not a proper, total recall and more should be done. They should take the cars off the road so that no other family suffers the same loss we have."

She said they are also disappointed at the way that Ford has been handling the situation, because they still refuse to take responsibility for her brother’s death. "We pray that soon South Africa and the whole world will know what really happened and that Ford has been lying about the incident which claimed Reshall’s life."

Jimmy's brother, Kaveen, said his family is forced to relive their loss every day as if it had happened yesterday. "We want closure and we want Ford to accept responsibility," he said at a press conference in Pretoria, adding that they have evidence that the fire started in the front of the vehicle, not the back, and that it was caused due to an electrical fault.

On Tuesday night cellphone video footage of Jimmy's burning Ford Kuga also emerged for the first time. On the video it can been seen that the fire started at the front of the vehicle.

Ford denies 'cover up'
In a television interview with SABC News on Tuesday, the CEO of Ford SA, Jeff Nemeth, denied any cover up.

Nemeth said their voluntary safety recall involves cases where vehicles overheated resulting in an engine fire, whereas in the Jimmy case, their experts have ruled out a fire in the engine. He said their investigation into the Jimmy incident has not been completed. The NCC gave Ford until 28 February to complete their investigation into the Jimmy incident.

In other media reports he stressed that the incident was unique and unrelated to the recent problem identified with the Kugas. He added that owners of the mentioned models should visit a Ford dealership as soon as possible.

"The recent incidents have impacted on customer confidence in the Kuga. Ford hopes that with the safety recall actions, and the verifying of the integrity of the cooling system, including maintaining proper coolant concentration, customers will be reassured that the Kugas remain safe to drive."

Class action
The Jimmy family confirmed that they and other Kuga owners will continue their class action against Ford. Their family's lawyer, Ron Montana, will be representing about 30 Kuga owners whose vehicles also caught alight.

The family thanked George policemen, Lt Col Richard Tonkin and Const Thembikile Matwa, who are investigating Jimmy's death for their hard work and dedication. "These policemen have left no stone unturned and have so much compassion for our family."

Imperial Ford in George started Kuga recall two weeks ago

Carl Grobler, the dealer principal of Imperial Ford in George told the George Herald that the local dealership had started recalling the local Ford Kugas more than two weeks ago, well before the national recall announcement was made by Ford SA CEO Jeff Nemeth on Monday 16 January.

Grobler said they decided to act in a proactive manner and that by the time the recall announcement was made they had already placed 11 vehicles in quarantine at the local George branch in Knysna Road.

“Our customers’ safety is our number one priority. Under the circumstances and in light of the national recall we are experiencing pressure on component supplies but will ensure that every Kuga that leaves our workshop is safe.”

He said even Ford owners of vehicles not affected by the recall, but who have safety concerns, are welcome to take their vehicles to their dealership workshop for a free check-up.

“We understand that it’s an emotional issue and will do everything in our power to alleviate and prevent unnecessary concerns and stress. We have had very positive feedback from our customers for the way the local dealership has handled the Ford Kuga affair.”

Hoping to find the truth. Reshall Jimmy's brother Kaveen and sister Renisha with their lawyer, Ron Montano (front right), internationally renowned forensic investigators, Dr David Klatzow (front left) and Danny Joubert (back, right) in Oudtshoorn in December 2016 where a forensic investigation was done on the wreck of Jimmy's Ford Kuga. Photo: Christo Vermaak