Takata airbag recalls could shake trust in Japan's auto industry: Minister

Takata's logo being displayed at an event in Yokohama, Japan. Toyota said on Nov 27, 2014, it is expanding a recall of cars with airbags made by auto parts maker Takata which have been linked to driver deaths. -- PHOTO: AFP
Takata's logo being displayed at an event in Yokohama, Japan. Toyota said on Nov 27, 2014, it is expanding a recall of cars with airbags made by auto parts maker Takata which have been linked to driver deaths. -- PHOTO: AFP

TOKYO (REUTERS) - Japan's transport minister said on Friday that he was concerned that repeated recalls involving Takata Corp's potentially defective air bags could undermine trust in the country's auto industry and manufacturing quality.

Mr Akihiro Ohta also said the ministry has asked Takata to report on how it plans to respond to the US auto regulator's recent call to expand recalls nationwide in the United States.

Japan formed a special task force this month to deal with the growing recall crisis. Toyota Motor Corp and its small-car subsidiary Daihatsu Motor Co announced new recalls on Thursday, citing excessive moisture during a manufacturing process at Takata's now-shuttered plant in LaGrange, Georgia.

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.