50-year Honda-Takata ties on the rocks

Southfield, Michigan

HONDA Motor has signalled a growing rift in its more than 50-year relationship with airbag maker Takata Corp, as the carmaker struggles to contain a crisis that's killed five motorists in its cars.

Honda has turned to Stockholm-based Autoliv Inc to supply replacement parts for recalled vehicles and is negotiating with Japan's Daicel Corp to secure more of the components. The carmaker also volunteered for a nationwide recall to replace driver-side safety devices, hours after Takata snubbed a deadline set by the US motor vehicle regulator to take similar action.