Takata Airbag Update

This past week, the Motor Industry Association of NZ provided to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hon Kris Faafoi, an update on both the total number vehicles affected by the Takata airbag recall and completion rates.

David Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association says “Between March and May, Distributors have worked tirelessly to identify the number of vehicles fitted with the more at risk Takata alpha type airbag, subject to a mandatory recall, or with the other types of Takata airbags, whether these vehicles were NZ new or used imported vehicles. For used imported vehicles, it has been a significant logistical exercise with many challenges to overcome identifying at an individual vehicle level which is caught in the mandatory and voluntary recalls”.

For used imported vehicles, before a replacement part can be ordered, a distributor needs to know if the vehicle is in New Zealand and then verify the status of each individual vehicle with their manufacturer’s head office database. This has been a significant focus of attention since March and much of this work has now been completed and parts are on order.

“Industry continues to allocate significant resources to achieve a coordinated and timely response to the Takata airbag recall,” said Mr. Crawford