Taking Responsibility For Supplier That Won't - Automakers Unite Over Takata Inaction

Ten rival automakers that have recalled millions of vehicles for defective air bag inflators met for more than three hours in Romulus on Thursday.

Increasingly frustrated with a lack of answers from air bag supplier Takata Corp. the automakers are banding together to find their own solutions. Federal regulators, safety advocates and some members of Congress also are demanding action.

Takata air bag inflators can explode and fling deadly shrapnel, and the cause is still unclear. More than 10.4 million have been recalled since 2013.

The faulty air bags are linked to five deaths worldwide, and at least 50 injuries. Federal regulators and many in Congress want Takata and automakers to dramatically expand recalls of cars and trucks equipped with the bags.

chewy - 12/15/2014 5:25:48 PM

+2 Boost

It's pretty baffling how Takata is still in business. It's going to take lots of pricey dinners to get any future orders.

Vette71 - 12/16/2014 8:31:02 AM

+1 Boost

Takata is toast as a supplier. They could have tried to supply replacement airbags, probably going bankrupt in the process, but at least able to hold their heads up. Now they go out of business in disgrace.

Vette71 - 12/16/2014 8:53:36 AM

+2 Boost

Comment about not knowing why the bags are doing this is interesting. That says Takata cannot be sure that its replacement bags would be any different. It is probably going to mean having another supplier design new airbags. That is going to take while if it can happen at all. 55 incidents from 20 million installations is a needle in a haystack problem. Statistically improbable to determine why. Also says that the odds of it happening to any driver are extremely low. More likely to be killed by a texting motorist.

MDarringer - 12/15/2014 8:06:39 PM

-1 Boost

The death penalty is appropriate for Mr. Takada for being OK with killing, maiming, and injuring people and then assuming it will all blow over.

Take your sword, sir and do the right thing!

Your Japanese honor is on the line.

W208 - 12/16/2014 12:45:18 PM

+1 Boost

Being a longtime supply chain professional, if the manufacturer supplied the airbag specification, the automaker is likely to blame unless the indemnification were in favor of the automaker. Considering they were producing for a number of manufacturers, chances are they accepted manufacturer Terms and Conditons.

W208 - 12/16/2014 7:00:35 PM

+1 Boost

Correction, if the automaker* supplied the specification.

MDarringer - 12/16/2014 8:25:47 PM

+1 Boost

...said the apologist...