regulator for Takata airbag probe

regulator for Takata airbag probeThe carmakers want a forensic engineering firm to address the technical issues with Takata air bag inflators, Toyota spokeswoman Julie Hamp said in a statement on behalf of the group, which refers to itself as the joint initiative.David Kelly, a former acting administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, is the lead candidate to coordinate the probe, said people familiar with the effort. The automakers have recalled more than 14 million vehicles with defective air bags since 2008.Takata said it has agreed to support the industry consortium in its investigation. secretary of transportation, to head a quality assurance panel to review the companys policies and responsiveness to automakers and regulators.Toyota invited other automakers in early December to join a coordinated industry wide joint initiative to independently test Takata air bag inflators involved in the recalls.News that the group was considering Kelly was reported Thursday by the Detroit News and the Wall Street Journal.Toyota said the groups goal was to address issues related to the Takata inflators, which can rupture and spray shrapnel at vehicle occupants. The defective inflators have been linked to at least six deaths, all in Honda cars, and dozens of injuries. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.