Thule recalls foot pack kit globally
March 27th 2009 – Thule, the world leader in Sports and Utility Transportation, announces a global product recall for a number of its Rapid Fixpoint XT Fitting kits produced and delivered between January 2008 and March 2009.
Internal tests have shown that a bolt in this foot pack doesn’t live up to the company’s safety standards. The incorrect hardness of the bolt makes it brittle and causes it to potentially break under stress. The potential danger is that the fixation bolt snaps off during use (with or without load) which in the worst case can lead to that the rack and load come loose while driving. “So far we haven’t had any incidents yet. However in order to prevent any harm for consumers we have decided to recall the kits from all countries where we have sold the product”, says Business Area President Magnus Welander.
Thule launches annually foot pack solutions for over 100 new vehicles serving a range of more than 1500 car models in total. “We have informed all our distributors and sales organizations to stop selling the product and have instructed them how to return the products as well as how to take care of consumers' questions and concerns. Additionally we have been in contact with the authorities in countries where we have sold the product to guarantee that we are in compliance with local legislation”, Magnus Welander adds.
A special web site www.thule.com/recall has been opened to give consumers more in depth information. All consumers will be able to exchange the affected bolts by either contacting the dealer where they purchased the product or through the above mentioned web site.
The affected cars and product numbers
The product recalls affects consumer that have bought a Thule Rapid Fixpoint XT fit kit produced during the period from 1 January 2008 until 28 February 2009.
The following car models are affected: Honda CRV 02-06, Citroen C4 Picasso and Grand Picasso 07, Hyundai i30 07-, KIA Ceed 07-, KIA Proceed 08-, Mercedes A class 05-, Mercedes B class 05-, Subaru Impreza 07-, Ford Mondeo 01-03;04-07, Mazda 3 04-, Mazda 5 04-, Mazda Axela 04-, Mazda 6 02-04;05-07, Mazda Atenza 02-07, Mazda CX7 06- and CX9 07-, Mazda Demio 07-, Mazda 2 07-, Mazda Premacy 04-, Mitsubishi Lancer 07-, Ford Territory 03-.
The following product numbers are affected: Thule Rapid Fixpoint XT Kit 133050, 133056, 133061, 133066, 133068, 133069, 133071, 133077, 133080, spare part 50960, 50961, 50962, 50996.
For more information please contact
Magnus Welander, Business Area President Thule Vehicle Accessories, +46 703 325504
Daniel Oelker, SVP Corporate Communication, +46 730 799004
About Thule
Thule is the world leader in Sports and Utility Transportation offering accessories to active families, outdoor enthusiasts and professionals who want to transport their equipment by vehicles safely, easily and in style. The company has leading market positions globally and operates from more than 30 sites employing 3,500 people. The company had net sales of SEK 6.2 bn in 2008 and is headquartered in Malmö, Sweden.