Takata Offers Condolences But No Apologies For Deaths Due To Defective Airbags

Takata Corp. expressed condolences on Tuesday to victims of its faulty airbags linked to at least 16 deaths and 180 injuries around the world, but stopped short of offering a full apology.

"We offer our condolences to the those who lost their lives and to those who suffered injuries," Shigehisa Takada, CEO of Takata, said at the company's last annual shareholder meeting as a listed company.

The meeting came a day after Takata, facing tens of billions of dollars in costs and liabilities following almost a decade of recalls and lawsuits, filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan and the United States.

Read Article

TheSteve - 6/27/2017 3:01:10 PM

+2 Boost

Apologies would imply admitting guilt. Admitting guilt can be used as evidence in criminal prosecutions. Takata and its officers are still covering the butts of those in their Ivory Tower.

Tiberius1701A - 6/27/2017 5:10:14 PM

+1 Boost

If I would ever get a business card from Mr. Takada, I would place it in my wallet and then put the wallet in my back pocket and take a seat.

MDarringer - 6/27/2017 8:02:52 PM

-1 Boost

Takada needs the death penalty for his immorality.

TomM - 6/28/2017 7:42:34 PM

+2 Boost

Air Bags were NEW technology - and the problem with the Takata propellant did not initially reveal itself. Certainly they were tested by the manufacturers of the car as well - and they did not see the possible problem either. And remember - these inflators were constructed by Takata from a design provided by the manufacturers of the cars. I have yet to see where the decisions to use Ammonium Nitrate originated - other inflators used Sodium Azide which is highly Toxic - It was only after time that it was determined that a chemical Drying agent was needed to prevent corrosion and explosive force. In fact - with the drying agent - the propellant is deemed safe and could still be used. I personally do not believe that Mr. Takada himself could have foreseen this situation when they first delivered the now defective air bag inflators. Many are reacting as if Takata deliberately used Ammonium Nitrate to hurt people after a number of years - but simply is not the mindset of a Japanese company - period.

Of course - even with that knowledge - most people preferred using other choices - which eventually required replacement of the old - with a different type of propellant. ANd it ends with the Bankruptcy of the company - leaving the car companies who bought those inflators holding the bag - because ultimately they designed the systems for the cars - and are answerable for them. Takata will no longer exist - its assets being sold to its next competitor to pay off a portion of its debts -but there will be nothing there to sue in a civil court - and I highly doubt that a criminal proceeding will be used against them in Japan.

MDarringer - 6/28/2017 9:16:14 PM

0 Boost

Takada oversaw the cover-up. Takada participated in the fraud. Takada did NOTHING when it became apparent to his company that his products were killing people. He is 100% complicit.