Honda drops Takata as US issues huge fine over airbags

Honda Motor Co. will drop longtime partner, airbag manufacturer and supplier Takata Corp., after millions of defective airbags have been recalled.

Eight deaths and over 100 injuries have been linked to the exploding airbags caused by shrapnel explosions when the bags rupture, according to the New York Times. More than 19 million of the defective safety devices are present in U.S. vehicles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also leveled a $70 million fine against Takata for failing to disclose those defects. The fine could rise to $130 million if the company fails to comply with the agency’s consent order.

Read more from the New York Times.