FLORIDA: Japanese auto parts-maker, Takata, is facing US class-action lawsuit over defected airbags that may have killed several drivers.
The shares of the company, one of the world’s biggest airbag makers, has tumbled more than 40 percent in the past month, fell 5.63 percent to close at 1440.0 yen ($13).
The company, one of the world’s biggest airbag makers, has been plunged into crisis as it faces serious questions over defects that have been linked to at least four deaths in the US and dozens of injuries.
Media reports said that a lawsuit on behalf of affected vehicle owners was filed this week in Florida alleging that Takata tried to cover up the potentially deadly defect, which has sparked recalls of millions of cars.
The lawsuit, which follows separate claims filed by individuals, also reportedly lists car manufacturers, including Toyota and Honda, as defendants.
A Tokyo-based spokesperson for Takata, which has more than 43 000 employees worldwide, said the company would not comment “because we have received neither legal papers nor any communication over the reported lawsuits”. The recalls affected 7.8 million vehicles, up from 4.7 million vehicles covered in an earlier warning bulletin.
