Since the Mercedes car failed inspection, the front grille was still inspected.

The grille is in the group of defects and damages that are not important. Photo: Lam Anh

According to Document No. 5300/DKVN-VAR issued by the Vietnam Register on December 28, 2022, providing more detailed instructions on vehicle inspection to facilitate people and businesses, the grille is included in the group of minor defects and damages (Minor-Defects - MiD).

Specifically, defects such as paint color not as stated in the vehicle registration, including decals on the body and shell of the vehicle; replacement of the radiator grille, front grille; installation of additional steps, etc. are still subject to normal vehicle inspection.

Regarding the category of changing the radiator grille and front grille, the Vietnam Register also clearly guides: "The replaced radiator grille and front grille have the same shape, size, and material as the old radiator grille and front grille, and do not change the structure of the vehicle."

Recently, Mr. Long Vu - a car owner living in Thu Duc City posted an article sharing his frustration when his Mercedes-Benz C250 Exclusive version in its original condition failed the vehicle inspection because it was assessed as not meeting the vehicle shape category in phase 1 (error of changing the front grille - radiator grille) at the 50-05V Inspection Center, Hong Ha branch (Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City).

The "notification of defective and damaged items" of the 50-05V Inspection Center stated: The vehicle's shape does not match the technical documents, the grille and front bumper do not match the image on the production assembly.

Meanwhile, Mr. Vu affirmed that he had never changed any of the car's technical specifications. He only changed the car's paint color from black to white and re-registered the documents issued by the Ho Chi Minh City Police.

The original Mercedes-Benz C250 Exclusive failed the vehicle inspection. Photo: NVCC

Mr. Vu explained to the inspector that the Mercedes-Benz C250 has two versions: C250 AMG and C250 Exclusive (which is the car he is driving), so there are differences. After that, he also contacted Mercedes-Benz Vietnam and asked the car company to check to prove that his car's grille had not been replaced.

However, the inspector who directly inspected the vehicle still refused to register the vehicle and asked the owner to change the grille.

According to Mr. Nguyen To An - Deputy Director of the Department of Registration (Ministry of Transport), the Mercedes-Benz C250 Exclusive failed the registration inspection due to the fault of the inspector, not the grille.

The Vietnam Register will make general adjustments to registration centers nationwide to avoid similar incidents that may cause frustration and waste time for people and businesses.

After admitting the error, the 50-05V Vehicle Inspection Center contacted the vehicle owner to apologize and invite the vehicle owner to return for inspection, and at the same time supported the vehicle inspection costs.