Japan Bans Takata Airbags In New Vehicles

Japan banned certain Takata Corp. air bag inflators from future cars and set time frames for the components to be phased out from existing models, taking measures nearly identical to a U.S. regulator’s order one month ago.

Automakers won’t be allowed to use Takata air bag inflators with ammonium nitrate propellant in cars under development, Japan’s transport ministry said in a statement issued Friday in Tokyo. Inflators without a moisture-absorbing substance will be phased out from driver-side air bags by 2017 and passenger-side devices by 2018.

The air bag inflator ban and phase-out plan that applies even to models spared from air bags malfunctions follows similar enforcement action one month ago by the U.S.’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. After the agency’s order, carmakers including Honda Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. said they wouldn’t use Takata’s air bag inflators with ammonium nitrate propellant.

TheSteve - 12/8/2015 12:57:37 PM

+1 Boost

I wonder how much longer until Takata closes their doors permanently.

TomM - 12/8/2015 6:15:52 PM

+1 Boost

While LOTS of car manufacturers have already said that they will not use Takata ammonium nitrate air bags - since Takata already makes air bag inflators using other propellants - that does not leave Takata out in the cold completely -and Takata may be one manufacturer that cannot easily be replaced - production capacity does not exist to simply replace Takata - and it will be both quicker and easier for Takata to use a different propellant than it would be for another manufacturer to ramp up production facilities.

While I do not know the Bankrupcy laws of Japan - I would expect Takata - which has a lot of other product as well - to spin off the Ammonium Nitrate Air Bag division and bankrupt it - and continue on in other production - including other air bags.