KUALA LUMPUR, Nov. 8 -- Chery Auto Malaysia has moved to head off online speculation after images of a damaged Chery Tiggo Cross with a detached wheel and its axle spread on social media.

The incident happened when the Chery car collided with a Perodua Myvi on the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) yesterday.

"We wish to clarify that the damage to the front bumper and detachment of the wheel were a result of the accident and not due to a failure of the vehicle's component parts," Chery said in a statement.

It said its team had already contacted the customer involved and was providing the necessary assistance.

The company urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information, warning that it could cause unnecessary concern am...