HEFEI -- China's largest domestic automobile manufacturer and exporter Chery Auto announced Wednesday that it would recall over 18,000 vehicles from markets in Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Argentina and Singapore.

Company spokesman Jin Yibo said 18,875 vehicles, including Tiggo SUVs and A3 compact sedans, would be recalled from these markets as gaskets or exhaust systems installed in these vehicles contained small amounts of asbestos, which violated regulations set in these countries.

The company performed inspections on all exported vehicles based on the regulations of different countries before announcing the recall, said Jin.

The inspection was carried out after Australian authorities found the cancer-causing asbestos in the two models, forcing the company to recall 23,000 vehicles in Australia starting on August 15.

As small amounts of the substance are used in the engines, it will not threaten the health of drivers or passengers, but will do harm to maintenance personnel. Therefore, some countries, such as Australia and Brazil, have banned the substance from being used in automobiles, experts say.

Jin said the company has established an operation standard for overseas after-sales service points to replace all related parts, based on local work safety protection regulations in Australia.

Chery Auto exported 159,000 vehicles last year, up 84.1 percent year-on-year, maintaining its status as a leading auto exporter in China. The company, based in east China's Anhui province, has 16 production bases around the world and its products have been exported to more than 80 countries and regions.