The emerging crisis over air bags traces back to a little-known Tokyo company that for over 20 years has supplied the safety devices to automakers including Toyota Motor Corp., Honda Motor Co. and General Motors Co.
Air bags made by Takata Corp. are linked to at least four deaths and more than 30 injuries in the United States after the safety devices deployed with too much force, spraying metal shrapnel at occupants.
U.S. authorities have begun an investigation, and almost 8 million cars made by 10 automakers have been recalled to fix the hazard.