S. Korea slaps USD 10 mln fine on BMW over botched response to engine fires

South Korea says it will fine BMW 11.2 billion won (USD 9.9 million) and file a criminal complaint against the company with state prosecutors over an allegedly botched response to dozens of engine fires reported in the country.

South Korea's Transport Ministry said Monday its investigation panel after a five-month review concluded that the German automaker deliberately tried to cover up technical problems and moved too slowly to recall vehicles after around 40 of its cars caught fire earlier this year.

BMW recalled some 172,000 vehicles in July and October over the fires it has blamed on a faulty exhaust gas component.

The company said there had been no reports of injuries linked to the fires.

BMW's South Korean unit didn't immediately comment on the ministry's announcement.