For decades, Toyota had been a trusted name in international automotive manufacturing; however, the past several months, the auto giant has been racked with recalls. After amassing hefty federal fines and with its global reputation on shaky ground, the Japanese automaker audited its processes and its high priority parts suppliers. As recently as October 2010, the world's largest auto manufacturer made a startling discovery. Testing of car parts and other components were not as rigorous as previously believed.
In order to make cars and trucks, you have to have what the industry calls original equipment parts. According to the Motor and Equipment Manufacturer's Association, each year, suppliers manufacture millions of parts and technology used in domestic production and after market maintenance of trucks and cars. The role of suppliers is crucial to keeping the more than 247 million vehicles on American roadways. However, Toyota's revelation has focused attention on the crucial role, and possible fault, parts suppliers' play in automotive safety.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the federal agency which addresses vehicle safety standards and driver safety initiatives, reported that 33,908 people died and another 2.2 million were injured on America's roadways last year. While distracted or impaired drivers may cause the majority of these accidents, a significant number are related to vehicle defects and malfunctions. In addition, the NHTSA, in its role as safety monitor, recalls cars and even car parts, which pose threats to drivers, passengers and other vehicles on the roadways. In nearly 40 years of existence, the NHTSA has recalled hundreds of millions of cars and millions of parts, from airbags to tires.
While warnings and recalls are important, injured passengers and drivers still require product manufacturers as well as automakers to hold to strict standards of quality. A legal obligation exists to ensure that the products they offer increase crashworthiness, functionality and safe operation of vehicles. In the absence of this duty, product manufacturers and suppliers risk being liable for accident related injuries and vehicle damages.
While Toyota continues to rebuild its reputation, the automaker's self-scrutiny has lead to revelations about auto part suppliers testing practices and obligations to produce safety products. Overtime, as Toyota tries to reclaim its position as a trustworthy maker of quality automobiles and other vehicles, it may be setting yet another standard in the industry for accountability.
