Getting a Grip on Automotive Recalls

What can automobile manufacturers to do stop the endless flood of recalls, some of which result in injury or death to drivers and passengers? There's been no letup of incidents in recent years. The recall of airbags by the Japanese manufacturer Takata Corp., affecting more than 53 million cars worldwide, is only the latest to hit the headlines. In recent years we've seen the failure of brakes, electrical systems, locks, steering mechanisms and even, apparently, floor mats. The trend toward globalized supply chains, involving multiple tiers of suppliers, only makes the problem more complex. On this episode, we're joined by Evan Hirsch, partner at the global consulting firm Strategy. He offers a perspective on why product failures and recalls continue to happen, and what original equipment manufacturers and their suppliers can do to reduce such incidents. Perfection is impossible, but there's plenty of room for improvement, says Hirsch.