Carmakers complete 2.4m Takata fixes

Carmakers have fixed more than 2.4 million vehicles affected by faulty Takata airbags in Australia, with only 373,000 left to be rectified as part of a national recall.

A faulty Takata airbag can seriously injure or kill vehicle occupants. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is urging owners of outstanding vehicles to arrange the fitting of a replacement airbag as soon as possible. 

“The industry is making strong progress in replacing airbags,” says Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI. “More than 176,000 vehicles have been rectified in the latest quarter alone. However, it is critical the owners of outstanding vehicles understand the risks they face and come forward promptly.” 

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission says that during its recall campaign, 200,933 vehicles have been classified as unreplaceable, primarily because they were written-off in accidents. 

Braking technology

The figures on replacing airbags come hot on the heels of Australasia’s independent vehicle safety advocate, Ancap Safety, giving consumers a first-hand experience of autonomous emergency braking (AEB).

Members of the public were able to experience the technology through a series of demonstrations at The Bend Motorsport Park in South Australia. Consumers rode inside an AEB-equipped Hyundai Santa Fe that was driven towards a static demonstration vehicle before the AEB system kicked in.

“AEB technology is becoming increasingly available in new cars, yet very few consumers have experienced it,” says James Goodwin, Ancap chief executive. “Allowing people to ride in the vehicle during the demonstrations is a transparent and very effective way to build their understanding of this life-saving technology.”