Minister Dinh La Thang said that relevant agencies, especially the Vietnam Register, should be responsible for any vehicle fires as of 2012.

He also asked the Vietnam Register to finalize a system of related legal documents in the future.

Head of the Vietnam Register, Trinh Ngoc Giao, said 89 vehicle fire cases were reported across the country last year, including 50 cars and 39 motorbikes, causing property losses and leaving two dead and two injured.

In Hanoi capital alone, there were 42 such cases reported, said Giao, quoting statistics from the Municipal Department of Transport Police.

He said there are various causes leading to the incidents involving motorbikes, such as electrical faults (11.6 percent), head-on collision (4.6 percent), fires (6.9 percent), and unknown causes (72 percent). For incidents involving cars, some 30 percent are attributed to unknown causes.

To ensure the safety and quality of vehicles, the Vietnam Register recommended the police sector provide specific information on the incidents to develop timely solutions. In addition, the department also asked relevant agencies to strengthen control over maintenance centres for motorbikes and cars.

Giao also proposed setting up new standards for some components installed in motorbikes and cars to reduce the risk of fires. “It is necessary to regularly examine the technical safety and the gas emissions while using vehicles”, said Giao.