China's quality watchdog demanded that joint-venture vehicle group FAW-Volkswagen submit new evidence to verify the effectiveness of its latest recall due to defective rear axles.

On Oct 17, the company announced a recall of more than 581,000 cars, including its new Sagitar and Beetle vehicles, as the trailing arm of the rear axles could rupture in certain scenarios. It offered to place a metal plate in the trailing arm to ensure the proper operation in case of a rupture.

But the move aroused dissatisfaction among car users who had hoped for a more thorough solution by replacing the whole rear suspension. Protests were held by car owners in major cities, including Shanghai and Shenzhen.