Ford’s China joint venture to recall more than 500,000 vehicles

BEIJING/SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Ford Motor’s (F.N) China joint venture will recall more than half a million vehicles due to brake-related issues, an additional headache for the U.S. carmaker as it faces rising challenges in the world’s top auto market.

The recall, which will start from Feb. 25, is linked to issues with materials used for brake hoses that could affect braking distances, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said on its website.

Its China sales slid 6 percent last year versus a 3 percent rise for the market overall. Luo was meant to help Ford improve ties with local partners like Changan Automobile.

Toyota Motor Corp (7203.T), which announced a 24.5 percent jump in its January China sales on Friday, will also recall 181,797 vehicles, the quality watchdog said in a separate statement.