Autoliv Will Make “Millions” of Replacement Airbag Inflators

Autoliv airbag inflator

Autoliv Inc. tells Automotive News it will be ready in about six months to supply millions of airbag inflators to replace faulty units built by rival Takata Corp.

Ten carmakers have so far recalled some 16 million vehicles worldwide to replace defective Takata inflators, which could explode when activated. But that total is certain to rise as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pushes manufacturers to broaden current regional recalls.

Autoliv said last Wednesday it would help supply replacements to Honda Motor Co., whose Takata inflator recalls have ballooned to 6 million units in the U.S. alone.

Autoliv tells AN it is in talks to supply replacement inflators to other carmakers too. The company has not revealed how much capacity it plans to add. It estimated previously that adding 15 million units of annual capacity would cost $30 million-$50 million.