RUNNING NHTSA: A CANDID CONVERSATION WITH DAVID STRICKLAND - AUTOLINE THIS WEEK 1918

EV Channels Review

This Autoline This Week episode features a candid conversation with former NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, now a partner at Venable LLP. The discussion primarily revolves around major automotive safety recalls, specifically the Takata airbag crisis and the General Motors ignition switch defect. Strickland offers insights into the complexities of managing such large-scale recalls, the challenges posed by aging vehicles, and the evolving role of NHTSA. He highlights the unprecedented nature of the Takata recall, emphasizing the agency's use of new authorities and the collaborative efforts required from manufacturers. Regarding the GM ignition switch issue, Strickland discusses the importance of a strong safety culture and the potential for buried defects to lead to significant liability, while also acknowledging GM's current leadership's focus on safety and future technologies. The conversation also touches upon the increasing frequency of recalls, the future of connected and autonomous vehicles, and the critical issue of cybersecurity in automotive technology. Strickland stresses the need for proactive safety measures, technological advancements, and a balanced approach to regulation and cost.