Suppliers Come To Takata's Aid Amid Airbag Recall Crisis
Takata may not being doing so hot amid its airbag crisis, but it is providing an opportunity for at least two other airbag suppliers.
Detroit Free Press reports TRW Automotive and Autoliv have received calls from Takata for new inflators to replace the 7.8 million units under recall due to the likelihood of catastrophic detonation in high-humid locales. Takata itself informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it expected to produce 1.47 million replacement units by February 2015, a low number that likely led to the call to the bullpen.
TRW CEO John Plant stated his company was willing to help the supplier and the industry as a whole, proclaiming his customers “would welcome that support.” Autoliv CEO Jan Carlson added that the situation was “a very difficult issue for the industry,” and noted the increased business as a result.
The Takata recall affects 7.8 million vehicles, split-up among 50 models from 10 automakers, that were sold between 2001 and 2011, with Honda responsible for 5 million of those affected.
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It seems odd that only one airbag would be affected by the issue since the passenger and drivers airbag were likely manufactured around the same time.
As an employee working at a Honda dealership, I can tell you that this is already a huge mess. Now are we going to have to tell customers that Honda sent a replacement from Takata and hear them complain until we call Honda and say they demand a different manufacturer? In my past experience with Honda, they won't care, Their response will be that we have already shipped you a replacement for that VIN. They always seem to be a couple steps behind. That is just my opinion working in parts and service.