KUALA LUMPUR : Malaysian national car manufacturer Proton said on Monday it was recalling its new "Savvy" models amid fears that water could enter and damage its rear-wheel bearing.

"The safety and satisfaction of our customers is a primary concern. As a precautionary measure, we are recalling all Savvys for inspection and repair," managing director Syed Zainal Abidin Syed Mohamed Tahir said.

Proton said the recall would affect 34,000 Savvy cars.

"This recall is purely a precautionary measure as the convenience and safety of customers is Proton's highest priority," it was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency.

The ailing car manufacturer last month reported a net profit of 10.329 million ringgit (3.21 million dollars) in its third quarter to December, turning around from a loss of 281.455 million ringgit a year before. - AFP/de