In re Okinawa Autotech Pvt. Ltd. (CCPA Delhi)
Summary: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), in suo motu proceedings against M/s Okinawa Autotech Private Limited, examined concerns arising from reported fire incidents involving electric two-wheelers as well as recurring consumer grievances relating to after-sales service. A Show Cause Notice dated 24.06.2022 was issued to Okinawa. The company denied that the reported fires were attributable to manufacturing defects and submitted that its vehicles complied with applicable Automotive Industry Standards and had requisite ARAI certifications. Inputs were obtained from BIS and ARAI; ARAI confirmed compliance with applicable requirements, including the enhanced battery safety standards introduced through amended AIS-156. During the proceedings, the Authority examined complaints received through the National Consumer Helpline, including Docket Nos. 4721526 and 4754698, and sought successive information regarding battery replacement, repair delays, spare parts, warranty obligations and grievance redressal. The Authority concluded that the material did not provide sufficient basis to conclusively attribute the reported fire incidents to manufacturing defects. However, it found recurring and systemic deficiencies in after-sales service and consumer grievance redressal. The record included 361 complaints concerning delays in providing services while vehicles remained at service centres, 120 concerning non-provision of promised services and 62 concerning unsatisfactory grievance redressal. The Authority held that these deficiencies violated consumer rights and directed Okinawa to strengthen grievance redressal, service and dealer-information mechanisms and submit a compliance report within 15 days.
CCPA Proceedings Against Okinawa Autotech
The proceedings arose from a suo motu action initiated by the Central Consumer Protection Authority against M/s Okinawa Autotech Private Limited, a manufacturer of electric two-wheelers, under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
