(Bangkok, 22nd) – The Thai Consumer Protection Board will file a civil lawsuit against Volvo Cars Thailand regarding battery-related fire incidents involving the Volvo Cars EX30 model. This comes after talks between consumers and Volvo Cars failed to reach an agreement.
Pradomchai Benchuarue, an advisor to the Thai Prime Minister's Office who presided over Thursday’s (May 21) meeting, told Reuters via phone: “The Consumer Protection Board has decided to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for damages, including refunds.” He stated that the Consumer Protection Board would handle this civil lawsuit based on the specifics of the case.
There have been two EX30 fire incidents in Thailand this month. The decision to litigate increases pressure on the Swedish automaker, which is already working to manage a global recall of its electric SUV.
Volvo Cars Thailand has yet to comment on the lawsuit. There are currently over 1,600 EX30 vehicles in Thailand.
A spokesperson for Volvo Cars previously said that such incidents remain rare, with only 0.1% of affected vehicles having experienced a fire. Volvo Cars has notified owners, advising them not to charge the battery above 70% for the time being.
Pradomchai said Volvo Cars had proposed battery replacements and temporary vehicles for 90% of affected owners, with partial replacements for the rest; however, these plans were not accepted by owners.
EX30 owner Tanchanok Norsuwan, who attended the meeting, told reporters: “What most consumers want is a full refund, not a battery replacement.”
Reuters reported in February that Volvo would recall over 40,000 EX30 vehicles to replace battery modules due to defects that could cause overheating and fires. A Volvo Cars spokesperson said the number of vehicles recalled globally has since decreased from 40,323 to 37,802.
There have been two EX30 fire incidents in Thailand this month. The decision to litigate increases pressure on the Swedish automaker, which is already working to manage a global recall of its electric SUV.
Volvo Cars Thailand has yet to comment on the lawsuit. There are currently over 1,600 EX30 vehicles in Thailand.
A spokesperson for Volvo Cars previously said that such incidents remain rare, with only 0.1% of affected vehicles having experienced a fire. Volvo Cars has notified owners, advising them not to charge the battery above 70% for the time being.
Pradomchai said Volvo Cars had proposed battery replacements and temporary vehicles for 90% of affected owners, with partial replacements for the rest; however, these plans were not accepted by owners.
EX30 owner Tanchanok Norsuwan, who attended the meeting, told reporters: “What most consumers want is a full refund, not a battery replacement.”
Reuters reported in February that Volvo would recall over 40,000 EX30 vehicles to replace battery modules due to defects that could cause overheating and fires. A Volvo Cars spokesperson said the number of vehicles recalled globally has since decreased from 40,323 to 37,802.