Volkswagen, Toyota and other manufacturers are accused of using defective airbags

Four car manufacturers participate in a new scandal In France. The French Consumer Association condemned BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Toyota risk people’s livesThe company is in the list of manufacturers who used defective takata airbags in models of a decade or more.

In accordance with France24IN UFC-Que Choisir was convicted by the Versailles Court to BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and ToyotaThe field of the consumer protection association accused the company of deceptive commercial practices, deception in aggravating circumstances and the deliberate danger of the life of third parties. UFC-Que Choizir said that manufacturers were waiting for “between the sword and the wall” to take measures against defective airbags.

He The axis of this complaint – airbags made by TakataThe airbags with the airbags that were integrated into more than 34 automobile brands from 2002 to 2015, represented defects that would be risking the life of motorists. According to reports, the inflator worsens over time and can use too much power when activating, causing fatal injuries for passengers.

“Although the danger of Takata’s airbags has been known for more than 10 years, and, despite the gravity and proof of risk, these manufacturers also waited until they fall between the sword and the wall to take measures under the carrier and regulatory pressure,” the association said.

UFC-like Choizir said that The reaction of four manufacturers was late And does not solve the problem. On the one hand, the calls for the consideration of Toyota and Mercedes were not applied to all injured cars in the territory of French territory. In addition, the notification of the withdrawal includes inaccurate information or risk minimization.

What accuses Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota in France?

A criminal appeal filed in the Versailles court is focused on the following actions:

• Serious shortcomings in information from consumers As for the nature of the defect and risk, as well as the special severity of the latter (fatal risk), given the state of knowledge about the injured operators.
• Misleading Or, at least, inappropriately due to the absolute urgency of the situation and the already observed risk.
• Poor cancellation managementWithout instructions, in particular, clear and accurate immobilization or individual support.

UFC-Que Choisir, which has already required Stellantis, asked LTo create a parliamentary investigation commissionThe field “This scandal no longer affects the brand of the car, not even a group of manufacturers, but on the entire market of cars that clearly failed in terms of consumer information and security information,” he said.

Before the prosecution, Manufacturers criticized this measure and replied that they conducted campaigns conclusion. Lyumin Logum, BMW France Communications Director, said that from 2013 to date they removed more than 935,000 cars raised as a result of 29 retirement actions. Meanwhile, Volkswagen mentioned that they are considering their pension campaigns and will be updated in cooperation with regulatory authorities.