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Schakowsky seeks answers from automakers after Kobe Steel scandal

October 13, 2017

Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Ranking Member of the Digital Commerce and Consumer Protection Subcommittee in the Energy and Commerce Committee, sent two letters asking for answers to understand the impact of the Kobe Steel scandal on vehicle safety. The letters, which were sent to the CEOs of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Global Automakers, come following the recent admission by Kobe Steel that its employees routinely and systematically falsified inspection data about the products that they sold. These products were then used by, among other companies, automakers – potentially jeopardizing vehicle safety and putting American lives at risk. After sending the letters, the Congresswoman released the following statement:

“For years, Kobe Steel routinely falsified inspection data about the strength and durability of the steel products they sold, and now consumers are driving cars made with those substandard products. We need to better understand the scope of this problem and the potential risk that Americans face.

“Consumers deserve to feel safe behind the wheel, but this incident gives Americans yet another reason to worry about their safety. I want to provide clear, well-informed answers to those affected as quickly as possible. Kobe Steel lied, cheated, and put lives at risk. Today’s letters to automakers are a step toward getting those answers and making sure consumers are made whole.”

In her letters, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky asked both the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Global Automakers to provide lawmakers with information on which vehicles include affected materials, what the effect of those materials is on vehicle safety, and what actions automakers are taking to protect consumers. A PDF of the letter to Global Automakers can be found here, and the letter to the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers can be found here.