Takata May Trim Global Airbag Operations

Struggling Japanese airbag maker Takata Corp. is pondering a plan to sell noncore businesses, reduce its overseas workforce and consolidate its European airbag operations, sources tell Kyodo News.

The move could include integrating airbag system production in Europe beginning as soon as April 2017, the sources say. Takata faces costs estimated at $3 billion or more if found liable for supplying airbag inflators that can explode in a crash.

The devices, which have been linked to at least 10 fatalities and 130 injuries, are the subject of recalls by a dozen carmakers covering as many as 50 million vehicles worldwide. Takata and others continue to search for the root cause of the misfires.

Takata has been trying to reach an agreement with its customers about sharing costs and arranging supplies of replacement inflators. Reports in early February suggested the company aims to reach accord on cost sharing and restructuring by the end of February.

Chairman and CEO Shigehisa Takada reportedly is willing to step down and take responsibility for the recalls, but only after the crisis is resolved.