German luxury auto maker Daimler AG on Tuesday began recalling 9,201 Mercedes-Benz models of Vito and Viano autos in China to fix defective air conditioning systems, China's quality watchdog said on Tuesday.

The recalled vehicles included 1,796 units of imported Vito and Viano (639 series) manufactured between December 11, 2007, and September 8, 2010, along with 7,405 units of China-made Vito and Viano (636 series) produced between April 16, 2010, and September 30, 2010, according to a statement on the website of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (GAQSIQ).

The recalls will be carried out by Daimler Northeast Asia Ltd and Fujian Daimler Automotive Ltd, a joint venture by Daimler AG, Fujian Motors Group and Taiwan-based China Motors Corp in Fuzhou, the capital of east China's Fujian province, according to GAQSIQ.

The recall is to fix a defect in the air conditioning control relay that could cause an electrical short circuit and become a potential smoke or fire hazard if the car is operating in hot weather, the driver halts frequently while driving or if the engine has been idling a long time.

The German auto maker announced that it would repair the flaws at no charge, according to the statement.

(Xinhua News Agency October 13, 2010)