Daily Drive-Thru: Takata settlement could reach up to $1B, Ford unveils next-gen autonomous car, and more

Takata and its ongoing airbag saga headlines today’s Daily Drive-Thru with reports stating a high-dollar criminal probe settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice while the U.S. Department of Transportation continues to look for ways to accelerate replacement of the defective airbags. Unfortunately, this recall is looking to get even bigger in the New Year.

Takata Corp. is reportedly nearing a settlement of up to $1 billion in a criminal probe by the U.S. Department of Justice over its ongoing massive recall with regards to exploding airbags. The recall has affected a multitude of automakers and been linked to at least 184 injuries. (TAKATA)
The U.S. Department of Justice is reportedly nearing a settlement with Takata Corp. regarding allegations of criminal wrongdoing as related to the industry-wide airbag recall that has vexed the automotive world for the last three-plus years. The Japanese-based parts supplier is expected to pay up to $1 billion in a report released by the Wall Street Journal. There also is a possibility that Takata may plead guilty to criminal misconduct, but further details of the settlement will not be disclosed until a later date.