The government is eyeing a law revision giving the transport ministry powerful authority over auto parts makers in the wake of the issue of defective air bags made by Japanese supplier Takata Corp., sources said Thursday.
If realized, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism would be able to make on-site inspections of auto parts makers and make them submit reports, they said.
The government envisions entering the provision into a bill to be submitted to the Diet to revise the road trucking vehicle law during an upcoming regular session, according to the sources.
The current law does not give the ministry such authority, so it cannot interview Takata officials unless they voluntarily submit to questioning.
Currently the ministry has such authority over automakers and manufacturers of child seats and tires.
Automakers are responsible for air bags if problems occur, because they are already equipped when the vehicles are purchased.