China automaker to recall defective school buses

BEIJING -- A Chinese auto manufacturer will recall nearly 100 school buses with defective parts amid tight government safety checks.

Henan Shaolin Auto Co will recall 91 school buses manufactured between April 3, 2010 and March 6, 2012, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, the country's consumer quality watchdog, said on Friday.

One of the vehicles' oil pipes may degrade prematurely due to its close proximity to the vehicles' exhaust pipes, which may lead to oil leaks, the administration said.

The vehicles' fuel pipeline has a similar issue, as it is located too close to the vehicles' frame rail. Other risks include defective defrosters and lights, the administration said.

The manufacturer will either replace or reinforce the defective auto parts free of charge, it said.

The government has introduced new standards and safety management regulations for school buses in recent years following a string of fatal school bus accidents.

In November 2011, 21 students were killed after their nine-seat minivan, which was crammed with 62 preschoolers, crashed in Northwest China's Gansu province.

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