Barra is said to have been extremely apologetic and tearful at the meeting, where she listened to stories and frustrations from relatives who described the recalled vehicles as “death traps” and the victims a “cost of doing business GM style,” according to quotes published by Fox News.
The ignition switches were mostly installed in small, inexpensive cars that appear to have been popular choices for young drivers. Parents at the meeting told Barra how the defect caused the deaths of their sons or daughters.
“Please help us in standing up for what is right,” said Ken Rimer, whose stepdaughter was killed in a 2006 accident in Wisconsin. “GM knew it was wrong. GM hid it during their bankruptcy proceedings. GM is liable for these young deaths.”
The relatives reportedly asked Barra to take stronger action and warn the public that the cars should not be driven until fixed, however the executive allegedly reiterated the company’s confidence in the vehicles as safe as long as extra weight is removed from the ignition key.
GM yesterday published Barra’s prepared remarks for her hearing today before Congress. She suggests the company is still investigating the situation and has already made changes to its policies, however it still can’t say exactly why it took ten years for a recall to be issued.
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