Lawmakers on Capitol Hill accused General Motors Co. of a potentially criminal cover-up
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill accused General Motors Co. of a potentially criminal cover-up over its defective ignition switches, and fumed at the lack of answers from the carmaker’s new CEO during a second day of hearings Wednesday into why GM waited a decade to recall cars with the deadly flaw.
Members of a Senate subcommittee also said GM should tell owners of the 2.6 million cars being recalled to stop driving them until they are repaired. But CEO Mary Barra gave assurances that the cars, mainly Chevrolet Cobalts and Saturn Ions, are safe to use while owners wait for the replacement part. Barra she would let her own son get behind the wheel if he took certain precautions.
GM has linked the switch to 13 deaths and dozens of accidents. Others sources, including relatives of some victims, have said they have a higher count of fatalities.
The automaker has said the ignition switch can move from the "run" position to the "accessory" position because of weight on the key chain. That causes the engine to shut off, disabling power steering, power brakes and the front air bags.
http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/4/2/gm-recall-congress0.html
