Transport Ministry announces actions based on vehicle recall report

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works said that it is proceeding with a series of further actions based on the findings recorded in the report of the Investigative Committee regarding vehicle recalls connected to faulty Takata airbags.

This was stated in a press release on 21 July, to which a video with a relevant statement by the competent Minister, Alexis Vafeades, was also attached.

The press release said that the Ministry has completed the first reading of the report of the Inquiry Committee for the investigation of the placing on the Cypriot market of vehicles from the EU, the import of vehicles from third countries, as well as the recall of these vehicles, which was delivered to the Law Office of the Republic, and was subsequently made public on 15 July, 2025.

The Ministry of Transport noted that the Inquiry Committee, which was appointed with the aim of conducting an objective and independent investigation, completed its work in a short period of time, highlighting responsibilities, problems and the need to improve procedures.

It further added that there are issues which may raise legal matters, and which are already being handled by the Law Office of the Republic.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works said it recognises the criticality of the findings and is moving beyond the actions taken to date, incorporating the findings of the report.

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, with full awareness of its responsibility towards citizens, expresses sincere respect and compassion for the families of the victims, it is added.

“The statement of the Chairman of the Committee reminds us of how heavy the responsibility of all institutions is. We are aware that public recognition of the problem must be accompanied by actions, and indeed actions that ensure that similar tragic incidents will not be repeated. We recognise and honour the dignity of the families who turned their pain into strength and their sorrow into a claim for the common good,” the press release noted.

The Ministry called on everyone to cooperate with the competent authorities and to immediately take the necessary actions when they are notified of a recall of their vehicles.

The findings of the report from the Investigative Committee examining vehicle imports and recalls in Cyprus between 2013 and 2023 to do with faulty Takata airbags were made public on 15 July, 2025, by Attorney General, George Savvides.

The report of the three-member Investigative Committee, chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Michalakis Christodoulides, suggests that crimes such as manslaughter or causing death through reckless or dangerous acts, serious bodily harm, and abuse of power may have been committed.

(Source: CNA)