The French consumer advocacy group UFC-Que Choisir has filed a legal complaint against major automakers BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, and Toyota for allegations of deceptive commercial practices and endangering public safety.

This complaint, submitted to the Versailles Court, asserts that the recalls executed by these companies for defective airbags have been 'imprecise, delayed, and insufficient,' attributing their actions to media pressure rather than genuine concern for consumer safety.

In response, Ludovic Leguem, communications director for BMW France, stated that the accusation is 'absolutely false.' He noted that BMW Group has conducted 29 recall actions in France since 2013, affecting approximately 935,000 vehicles.

The ongoing Takata airbag scandal has impacted the automotive industry since 2014, resulting in the recall of millions of vehicles globally.

The defective airbags can deteriorate due to heat and humidity, leading to the potential for explosions that pose serious risks of injury or death to drivers and passengers.

Volkswagen Group France confirmed their commitment to addressing Takata airbag issues, stating that they routinely review and update their recall campaigns in collaboration with relevant regulatory authorities.

Mercedes and Toyota, when approached for comments, did not provide immediate responses.

The French Overseas Minister, Manuel Valls, expressed his support for UFC-Que Choisir's initiative, emphasizing the importance of seeking justice for victims and their families.

He highlighted that justice must pursue the truth, especially in light of a recent fatal incident related to a defective airbag in Guadeloupe.

Prior to this incident, the French Ministry of Transport reported 29 accidents linked to faulty airbags, resulting in eleven fatalities overseas and one in mainland France.