Two KGMs caught with fewer airbags than advertised

KGM Australia has confirmed it has been advertising two models with more airbags than they actually have, including its new Musso EV electric ute and Torres EVX electric SUV.

The Korean brand formerly known as SsangYong has confirmed the Musso EV was advertised with eight airbags when it actually has six, while some MY26 Torres EVX product information listed eight airbags when the SUV actually has seven.

The discrepancy first emerged after ANCAP discovered during its assessment of the Musso EV that the electric ute was missing its advertised front-centre and driver’s knee airbags, prompting KGM Australia to review product information across its Australian range.

That review uncovered a similar discrepancy with the Torres EVX, which does not have the front-centre airbag previously listed in some KGM product information.

The discovery of a second incorrectly advertised airbag specification potentially broadens the regulatory implications for KGM Australia.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) told carsales it works closely with the Department of Infrastructure on motor vehicle matters because the department has responsibility for vehicle safety and compliance with the Australian Design Rules.

The ACCC declined to comment specifically on the KGM case but noted that, in addition to vehicle safety obligations, manufacturers must comply with Australian Consumer Law, which prohibits misleading conduct or representations.

Carsales has contacted the Department of Infrastructure for comment.

It is not yet clear whether the department will investigate the incorrect Musso EV and Torres EVX specifications or whether KGM Australia could face regulatory action or penalties.

The Torres EVX is KGM’s battery-electric medium SUV and was launched in Australia late last year alongside the Musso EV.

KGM says the Torres EVX has always been manufactured with seven airbags, meaning there has been no physical change to the vehicles already delivered, and says it remains compliant with applicable Australian vehicle approval requirements.

The affected Torres EVX product information has now been corrected and KGM’s Australian dealer network advised.

KGM says 20 Torres EVXs have been sold in Australia since its introduction.

The broader audit has now been completed by KGM and it says it identified no further specification discrepancies among its other models currently on sale in Australia.

After further testing and investigation ANCAP issued a consumer alert on August 21 confirming the Musso EV did not have either the advertised front-centre airbag or driver’s knee airbag.

KGM Australia subsequently admitted its published specifications were incorrect and confirmed the Musso EV has always been manufactured with six airbags rather than the advertised eight.

“Some materials incorrectly described the vehicle as being equipped with eight airbags, including a driver SRS knee airbag and front seat centre airbag. The correct Australian specification is six airbags. The vehicle has always been manufactured in this six-airbag configuration,” KGM Australia said.

ANCAP says 306 Musso EVs had been sold in Australia to the end of July. The electric dual-cab ute is offered in two variants, priced from $60,000 drive-away for the 2WD and $64,700 drive-away for the AWD.

ANCAP has warned the missing airbags could have implications for occupant protection.

A front-centre airbag is generally positioned on the inboard side of the driver’s seat and is intended to reduce injuries in side-impact crashes, while the driver’s knee airbag helps manage occupant movement and loading during a crash.

“Customers who have already purchased a Musso EV are advised that the safety specification of their vehicles may differ to that advertised, and that the omission of these safety features may have an effect on occupant safety in front and side impact crashes,” ANCAP said.

ANCAP has encouraged KGM to introduce a production change that would see both airbags fitted to Australian-market Musso EVs.

KGM says the Musso EV remains compliant with its Vehicle Type Approval and described the incorrect published information as an “unintentional administrative error”.

Affected Musso EV advertising and specification material was corrected by July 31 and KGM is finalising a “coordinated customer communication and redress approach” for affected owners.

KGM says its wide-ranging specification review is now complete and no further discrepancies have been identified across its other models currently on sale in Australia.

For Musso EV owners, ANCAP is advising those with concerns to contact KGM Australia or an authorised dealer, while prospective buyers are being warned to take the actual airbag safety specification into account.

Both the Musso EV and Torres EVX remain unrated by ANCAP.

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