The China joint ventures of carmakers Hyundai and Ford have recalled a total of 151,397 locally made cars due to mechanical faults, according to company and government sources.

According to Beijing Hyundai Motor Company Ltd., it will recall 98,559cars that have ignition problems. The cars belong to the Elantra and Sonata series and were manufactured between October 1, 2004, and March 22, 2005.

Beijing Hyundai said it will contact the car owners and it has also set up two hotlines to handle inquiries: 800-810-1100 and 010-89488100.

The Changan Ford Automobile Co., Ltd., located in Chongqing, has recalled 52,838 Focus sedans, according to the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. The cars were made between June 17, 2005, and July 30, 2006 and are said to have potential problems with the wires on the fuel pumps. It added that in serious cases the defect could lead to engine failure.

Changan Ford said it had not yet received any reports in relation to the defect.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2006)