Takata Provides Update On Inflator Testing - aftermarketNews

Takata Provides Update On Inflator Testing

Company says the results to date support initial analysis that age and prolonged exposure to heat and humidity were likely factors for inflator failures.

takata-airbag-recallAUBURN HILLS, Mich. & TOKYO – Takata Corp. convened this week at a meeting in Michigan with engineers from its automaker customers, including independent OEM consortium engineers, to update them on testing into the root cause of recent airbag inflator issues. Engineers also were provided with a presentation by an expert from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute, one of the world’s leading applied research organizations, which is providing independent research to determine the root cause of the airbag inflator failures.

Shigehisa Takada, chairman and CEO of Takata, stated, “While the testing by Takata and research by the Fraunhofer Institute continues, and definitive conclusions have not yet been reached, the work so far has supported our initial analysis that age and long-term exposure over a period of many years to a climate of persistent heat and high absolute humidity are significant factors in the small number of inflators that have malfunctioned. Variability in vehicle makes and models is an additional factor indicated by the testing results thus far, and Takata also continues to consider variability in the inflator manufacturing process as a potential contributing factor.”

Takada added, “We are continuing testing and research and will continue to work openly and transparently with our OEM customers and to do everything we can to support the replacement of all the airbags covered by the automakers’ recalls and safety campaigns. The safety of the driving public is our No. 1 priority, and we are committed to do what it takes to achieve this.”

Takata says it has dramatically increased the production of airbag replacement kits in support of automotive recalls and safety campaigns. The company has increased production capacity to 450,000 replacement kits per month, up from 350,000 in December, and expects to be producing approximately 900,000 kits per month by September 2015. The company said it remains confident that newer inflators and those not exposed to prolonged humidity and heat are safe. Takata also is working with other suppliers to further increase the availability of replacement kits for its automotive customers.

You May Also Like

Auto Care Association Welcomes GAO Report on Vehicle Repair Restrictions

Auto Care is renewing its call for Congress to advance federal Right to Repair legislation that protects independent business owners and consumers.

Right to repair 2

Following the release of a new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report detailing how automaker restrictions on vehicle data are creating barriers to repair vehicles, the Auto Care Association is renewing its call for Congress to advance federal right to repair legislation that protects independent business owners and consumers.

Bendix Releases Technical Materials for ADAS Support

They are designed to help technicians properly set up, inspect and diagnose several components integrated with ADAS.

Bendix Releases New Technical Materials Supporting ADAS and Connected Components
Dana Participating in Easter Jeep Safari

The event will take place in Moab, Utah, March 23-31.

Dana to Participate in Easter Jeep Safari 2024
ZF Aftermarket Releases 80 New Parts

The latest additions expand coverage to more than 5 million vehicles in operation.

ZF Aftermarket Releases 80 New Parts
Schaeffler Highlights ESG Progress in 2023 Sustainability Report

Schaeffler is currently focusing on seven key ESG goals in the implementation of its sustainability strategy.

Schaeffler 2023 Sustainability Report

Other Posts

MEMA Applauds the EPA on Light- and Medium-Duty Vehicle Emission Standards

MEMA says the EPA final rule includes an amended and more comprehensive analysis of technological alternatives.

Opposition Grows for California’s Mandate Banning New Gas-Powered Vehicle Sales
CMA, DoubleCoin to Showcase Long-Haul Steer Tires at MATS

Company reps will be on-site to answer questions, schedule meetings and coordinate a raffle of outdoor sporting equipment in booth #11140.

tire-distribution-outlook-tire-rack
GB Reman to Host Jackpot Giveaway Winner at Long Beach Grand Prix

Jon Hetzel, owner of Hesski ServiCenter in Levittown, Pennsylvania, will join GB Reman in the company’s hometown next month

GB Reman to Host Jackpot Giveaway Winner at Grand Prix of Long Beach
Bendix Surpasses Worker Safety Goals

Bendix says its Total Case Improvement Rate improved since 2022.

Bendix Announces Worker Safety Statistics