Car distributors in Cyprus are scrambling to manage simultaneous recalls of thousands of vehicles, including those affected by airbag issues, Brief reports. The sheer volume of recalls has created significant logistical challenges, including delays caused by parts shortages and the inability of service centers to handle the surge in demand.

Although many of the recalled vehicles were imported by third parties, the responsibility to address the issues has fallen on official distributors, who now face mounting pressure to resolve a problem that has grown over the years.

Distributors' call centers are overwhelmed with inquiries from concerned car owners, with thousands of calls flooding in daily. In response, distributors are racing to hire additional staff to manage both the high call volume and the recalls that must be carried out at their service centers in the coming weeks.

Similarly, the Cyprus Consumer Association is struggling to handle the influx of calls, with its own call center inundated by inquiries.

Another issue has arisen regarding the reliability of websites provided by the Road Transport Department (TOM), where car owners can check if their vehicles are subject to recalls. Reports indicate discrepancies, with some vehicles not flagged on these websites but later identified for recalls by distributors.

Adding to the complexity, the Parliament postponed a vote on proposed legislation that would enforce stricter recall procedures, including immobilizing affected vehicles until repairs are completed. The bill will be revisited in an extraordinary session of the Parliamentary Transport Committee next Monday for necessary amendments.