BEIJING -- China's quality control authorities said 6,599 Ford Mondeo-Zhisheng automobiles with defective power cables will be recalled starting Wednesday.

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These automobiles were produced between Feb 14 and April 16 with defective power cables, which could heat up and release smoke due to friction, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) said in a statement on its website.

Chang'an Ford Mazda Automobile Co Ltd the producer and a joint venture based in Chongqing, will notify relevant consumers to conduct free checks and repairs, said the statement.

Two hotlines (400-887-7766 and 800-810-8168) are now open for consultations and customers can also call 010-59799616 or 65537365 to reach the Defective Product Management Center of the AQSIQ for more information, the AQSIQ said.