Guangzhou Honda Automobile Co. Ltd, one of China's biggest automakers, will recall 49,500 CR-Vs (comfortable runabout-vehicles)in China from Jan. 10 next year over potential rear shock absorber problems, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said Friday.

The recall will cover the CR-V sedans made between March 10, 2005, and Dec. 18, 2006.

The faulty design of the rear shock absorbers might cause friction between the rear wheels and the auto-body, the statement said.

The company has changed the design of the shock absorbers and will offer free replacements for customers.

Guangzhou Honda was founded on July 1, 1998, in the south China city of Guangzhou as a joint venture by Guangzhou Automobile Group and Japan's Honda Motor Co. Ltd.

The company now has two plants with about 5,100 employees and an annual output capacity of 360,000 cars, including the Accord, Odyssey, Fit and City.

Source: Xinhua