The recall progress figures were included in a House Committee on Energy and Commerce memo regarding an upcoming hearing that will be attended by GM CEO Mary Barra and outside attorney Anton Valukas, author of the company’s internal investigation.
The memo notes that GM suppliers have produced nearly 400,000 ignition-switch repair kits, which also include new lock cylinders to address a separate issue with key operation.
GM has previously stated that it does not expect to be finished replacing the ignition switches until October, however the current progress appears to be a likely topic of discussion at the hearing.
The hearing promises to focus on other findings contained in Valukas’ report, which outlines a pattern of incompetence and complacency that delayed the company’s reaction to safety concerns and resulted in at least 13 deaths. Barra repeatedly deflected tough questions during initial hearings, citing the ongoing investigation that had not yet been completed.
The internal report has already been criticized by Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) as a “self serving” public-relations campaign, while other legislators have called for more details regarding the disparity between GM’s death tally and much higher estimates from outside analysts.
“How did the culture and systemic problems that are identified in the Valukas
report develop at GM?” the House memo asks in its list of key issues that will be examined at the hearing. “What must be done to address these problems and when will GM know if they have been successfully fixed?”
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