The country's top quality regulator said Tuesday that 54 foreign and domestic automakers recalled more than 1.84 million vehicles in China over the past four years.

Recalls were rare in China before a system was set up on Oct. 1, 2004 by the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and related authorities. Before the system existed, some companies would refuse to recall faulty vehicles, citing the absence of specific regulations as an excuse.

The rise in recalls showed that carmakers had become more concerned about consumers' interests, as China has become the world's second-largest and fastest-growing auto market, said the administration.

Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co., Ltd. made the single largest recall, which involved more than 420,000 Accords in March 2007.

Mercedes-Benz conducted the most frequent recalls: 19 between February 2005 and December 2008, involving 38,657 vehicles.

China has more than 100 domestic vehicle makers.

(Xinhua News Agency December 31, 2008)