Honda America intends to launch an ad campaign on Monday. This will urge owners to fix vehicles which have been recalled for Takata airbag inflators malfunctioning.
Introduction to the ads
Full-page ads will run in more than 120 newspapers, and 30-second radio spots will air in more than 110 regional markets, according to Honda. It seems they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that their customers get the best possible service in this regard. Honda appears to have suffered the most, with 5.4 million vehicles belonging to the company having been recalled. The process began mostly in the humid southern parts of the US. Florida has been one of the worst affected states. Most of the replacement parts have been delivered to such states with the less affected ones receiving fewer parts to smoothen logistics out. So far, seven states have been targeted. No national campaigns are in the pipeline.
More about the ads
Honda will also put ads on Facebook regarding this, and data will be cross-referenced from Facebook to ensure accountability.
According to Honda, the prime aim of Honda’s campaign is to ensure road safety, and they are making every attempt to grab the attention of each affected customer.
The ads gave details of Honda and Acura’s contact information, and said that the owners will be given a rental car immediately if the repair of their affected vehicle takes time.
Statistics and intricacies
Roughly 17 million vehicles have been recalled in the US, and 20 million vehicles globally, since 2008, as a result of malfunctioning Takata airbag inflators. These belong to 10 manufacturers. US officials are trying hard to ensure that the necessary vehicles are recalled. Already 6 deaths and numerous injuries have occurred due to this malfunction. Some 2 million vehicles have already been repaired. However, Takata is struggling to cope with the demand, paving the way for rival airbag inflator manufacturers. However, Honda’s ad doesn’t mention Takata by name. Nor are the risks posed by exploding Takata airbags described in detail. These airbags can explode in a crash and shower the occupants with sharp metal fragments, causing serious injury.
On Takata and conclusion
A brief overview of Takata should also be given here. It is an automotive parts company based in Japan.
It was production facilities located in four continents. Its European HQ is located on Germany. It started in 1933 in Japan’s Shiga prefecture. It initially used to produce lifelines for parachutes, and began foraying into seat belts and child restraint systems from the 1960’s. Controversy is no stranger to Takata, however, with a 1995 car recall being carried out as regards cars containing seat belts made by Takata made between 1986 and 1991. Once again, Honda suffered heavily, since many of its cars used Takata products. Other affected manufacturers involved Mazda, Isuzu, Daihatsu and Mitsubishi and Subaru. The main reason for the problem was determined to be defective buckles made by ABS plastic.
Furthermore, exposure to UV light caused a jamming of the released button mechanism. And then, the 2013-14 airbag controversy broke out which was put down to Mexican subsidiary mishandling explosive propellants. One only hopes that this doesn’t throw a spanner in Takata’s works, as Takata holds about 20 percent of the airbag market.
