By David Shepardson
Volkswagen’s U.S. unit has agreed to a $42 million settlement for 1.35 million vehicles equipped with potentially dangerous Takata air bag inflators. This settlement follows similar agreements by seven other major automakers, with funds primarily aimed at improving recall completion rates. The faulty Takata inflators, which can rupture and propel metal fragments, have led to at least 19 deaths and over 400 injuries in the U.S. According to court documents, about 35% of the inflators in the affected Volkswagen and Audi vehicles have yet to be repaired. Peter Prieto, a lawyer representing the vehicle owners, stated that they will continue to pursue claims against other automakers like Mercedes Benz, General Motors, and FCA.
