MOTORING NEWS - The National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) has confirmed a settlement agreement entered into between the National Consumer Commission (NCC) and Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa (FMCSA) and made it an order.

In terms of the order, FMCSA will pay each consumer R50 000 as compensation if their vehicle was distributed during the period 2014 to 2017 and that vehicle was one of the 56 Ford Kuga vehicles that caught fire (and where the fire originated in the engine compartment and damaged the vehicle).

In addition, if the vehicle suffered an engine compartment fire incident and a consumer has as yet not been compensated for the loss of any movable goods damaged during the fire incident, a consumer has the following two options:

Option 1: A consumer may submit a claim against FMSA in terms of Section 61 of the CPA. Advocate Terry Motau SC will provide alternative dispute resolution services; or

Option 2: You may choose to proceed to prove damages in court. This will be at a consumer's own expense.

Order is final

Acting Commissioner Thezi Mabuza said the order brings the matter to its finality.

"I would like to reiterate that the process is in no way trying to deprive a consumer of any of available remedy that the consumer may have in the law," he said.

Consumers who elected the first option will receive their settlement within a period of three months, commencing on 1 April and ending on 1 June. Affected consumers are encouraged to contact the NCC to receive claim forms and return within stipulated time.

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