Regulations offer remedies for buyers of defective cars

A new regulation on auto warranties will take effect next month that gives Chinese customers unprecedented rights to return a faulty vehicle for a replacement or refund.

In January, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine issued the 3R regulation - repair, replacement or return - which is also called the "three guarantees" in Chinese. It is set to take effect on Oct 1.

The new rule has been warmly received by not only customers but also dealers and carmakers, as well.

Wang Lei, manager of a BMW dealership in Beijing, said he believes that the 3R regulation will bring mutual benefits to customers, dealers and carmakers.

"Previously, we had no standards to refer to when car owners asked for a replacement or refund, and it's really a difficult situation for the dealers to be sandwiched between the customers and carmakers," Wang said.

"Now it's fine because we have a national regulation, and it won't be our own decision."

A member of staff at an Audi dealership in Beijing who declined to give his name expressed a similar opinion.

"A clear regulation can prevent a lot of disputes," he said.

The showroom he is working in has already put up posters to inform customers about the new policy.

Audi implemented the standards of the regulation one month before it officially takes effect.

Mercedes-Benz began to adopt a similar policy even earlier.

On Aug 30, it announced a new warranty policy that covers its entire product portfolio of brands - Mercedes-Benz, AMG and smart - and it includes corporate as well as private buyers.

It also announced a retroactive policy.

Customers who bought a Mercedes-Benz passenger car after March 1 will be eligible for the 3R policy.