The report describes how a multitude of failures and missteps led to the botched recall for the defective part. Valukas appeared to conclude that incompetence and complacency were at the root of the problem, rather than a conscious decision to prioritize costs over safety
The findings led the company to fire 15 employees, a group which reportedly includes several high-ranking internal attorneys and managers, however it cleared CEO Mary Barra and other top executives.
“The GM public relations campaign is pitching this report as an independent review. In truth, it seems like the best report money can buy,” said Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.). “It absolves upper management, denies deliberate wrongdoing, and dismisses corporate culpability.”
Blumenthal acknowledged that the firings represented more action than GM has taken in the past, however he criticized the company for continuing to dodge questions surrounding the component revision without issuing a new part number. The senator is also waiting for a straight explanation of the discrepancy between GM’s own death count, which sits at 13, and outside analysis suggesting the total could be more than five times higher.
“GM can show real good faith by revealing all its sealed settlements, disclosing all documents, and making available all the officials, past and present, who have relevant knowledge,” Blumenthal added. “The new GM must acknowledge moral and legal responsibility to the victims and their families.”
GM has not yet announced the size of its victim fund, or specific details regarding how it will be administered by Kenneth Feinberg.
The company is currently being investigated by federal authorities for potential criminal wrongdoing. Critics are waiting until the official inquiries have been completed before determining if Valukas’ report provides the whole story.
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