Product recall firm Stericycle Expert Solutions has reported a rise in automotive recall events across Europe, with the vast majority originating in Germany and the UK.

Using data from the Stericycle European Recall and Notification Index, based on the EU’s RAPEX rapid alert system, Stericycle Expert Solutions compared car recalls year on year revealling an increase in each quarter, with the total reaching 180 in 2014 against 147 by the middle of December 2013.

The UK alone doubled its recalls from 14 to 28 last year.

However, only two recalls during 2014 were compulsory, indicating a growing trend amongst car manufacturers in Europe to take a more proactive strategy and voluntarily recall vehicles.

In terms of types of vehicles being recalled in 2014, passenger cars and vans represent the biggest increase with 124 recalls to mid-December compared to 83 in the same period in 2013.

Stericycle Expert Solutions European managing director Farzad Henareh said: “Overall these results show that whilst there is a growth in the number of cars being recalled, there is also a trend towards taking pre-emptive action. Car manufacturers are opting to put customer safety first and enter the recall process with determination and resolve.”