Honda issues huge recall, Toyota eyes probe in wake of safety defects

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http://asia.nikkei.com/Japan-Upd ... e-of-safety-defects

NEW YORK -- Compelled by safety concerns surrounding Takata air bags, Honda has decided to recall all affected vehicles in the U.S. in hopes of curbing slowing sales in its key North American market.

     Rick Schostek, executive vice president of Honda North America, said at a lower house hearing Wednesday that the automaker will recall vehicles nationwide for inspection. So far, the move has been limited to areas with high humidity, which is seen as a factor in the defects. But it will now be expanded to cover the entire country.

     Addressing worries that Takata may lack enough replacement parts, the company is negotiating with other parts makers to supply them, he adds.

Being one of Takata's biggest customers, the problem affects more than 5 million Honda vehicles in the U.S.

     The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had demanded a nationwide recall to prevent any more incidents. Although Takata has been dragging its feet, the carmaker decided to go ahead with the broader recall.

     Toyota, meanwhile, proposed a joint investigation Tuesday involving Honda, General Motors, BMW and others and coordinated by an independent third party.

     The biggest Japanese carmaker also has firsthand experience with the U.S. Congress. President Akio Toyoda was summoned to a congressional hearing back in 2010 to address safety concerns. Although the issue was cleared up a year later, concerns that Toyota cars may have serious engine control problems slammed the brakes on its U.S. sales.

     This time around, Toyota is not as directly affected as Honda. But to avoid the risk of a longer-term impact resulting from a delayed response, the company decided to call for an industrywide initiative.