(Yicai Global) April 3 -- Agents recently discovered two imported Audi A5 2.0T vehicles had caught fire in a shipping container or containers in the course of an inspection at a port of entry, the General Administration of Customs announced yesterday.

The GAC, which gave no details as to the location of the customs port, whether the two cars were in the same container or shipment or their place of manufacture, has suspended imports of this model, per the announcement.

This spontaneous combustion is a result of the cars' starter motor conductive brackets short-circuiting because of manufacturing and assembly faults, the GAC found through investigation and has since confirmed with Audi's parent Volkswagen Group.

The German high-end auto maker provided a list of vehicles equipped with the same starter motor imported into China, including the A4 2.0T, A5 2.0T, A6 2.0T, and A7 2.0T. Some of these vehicles have already entered the country, the announcement advised.

Audi will eliminate the risk by replacing these ignition mechanisms. The GAC has directed its local branches to strictly inspect these imported models to ensure the substitution has been made.

Editor: Ben Armour