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Record airbag recall

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The USA is recalling a record 34 million cars because of airbag safety concerns. It is the biggest recall in US history. Takata, the manufacturer of the airbags, has said that the bags are defective and should be repaired or replaced. A spokesman from Takata said the airbags open too quickly, which can cause broken bits of glass or metal to be shot into the faces of drivers or passengers. Eleven different models of car have the bags. It follows other recalls from Japanese car manufacturers. The faulty airbags have been linked to six deaths and over 100 injuries.

The US Department for Transportation said: "Today is a major step forward for public safety. The department…is taking the proactive steps necessary to ensure that defective [airbags] are replaced with safe ones as quickly as possible, and that the highest risks are addressed first." Takata's CEO said: "We are pleased to have reached this agreement…which represents a clear path forward." The recall will cost the company and its customers up to $5 billion. Despite this, the CEO said he expects the company will make a profit this year.