Business
GM recalling hundreds of vehicles over potentially exploding Takata air bag inflators on August 1, 2023 at 2:29 pm Business News | The Hill
DETROIT (AP) — General Motors is recalling nearly 900 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada with Takata air bag inflators that could explode and hurl shrapnel in a crash.
The recall covers certain Chevrolet Camaro, Sonic and Volt vehicles as well as the Buick Verano, all from the 2013 model year. Some 2013 Chevrolet Trax versions in Canada also are included.
The company says in documents posted Tuesday by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that the driver’s front air bag inflator can explode in a crash due to a manufacturing defect.
The inflators are among a group made by Takata that is under investigation by the agency but has not previously been recalled.
Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to create a small explosion to inflate air bags in a crash. But the chemical can deteriorate over time and explode with too much force, blowing apart a metal canister and spewing shrapnel.
At least 26 people have been killed in the U.S. by the inflators since May of 2009, and more than 30 have died worldwide including people in Malaysia and Australia. In addition, about 400 people have been injured.
Potential for the dangerous malfunction led to the largest series of auto recalls in U.S. history, with at least 67 million Takata inflators involved. The U.S. government says that millions have not been repaired. About 100 million inflators have been recalled worldwide. The exploding air bags sent Takata Corp. of Japan into bankruptcy.
The air bags in the General Motors recall have a moisture-absorbing chemical called a dessicant and were not part of previous recalls. GM says in documents posted by the government that the problem is limited to a specific lot of inflators made by Takata, and that other vehicles are not affected.
But Takata air bags with a dessicant are under investigation by NHTSA because they have the potential to explode and expel shrapnel. The investigation opened in 2021 covers more than 30 million inflators in over 200 models from 20 car and truck makers, including GM.
The agency decided in May of 2020 not to recall the inflators with the dessicant, but said it would monitor them.
“While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled dessicated inflators,” the agency said in a document opening the probe.
GM says in documents that it was notified in March that an inflator exploded in a 2013 Camaro in Brazil in May of 2022. The company says an analysis of the inflator is still under way, but initial findings indicate the inflator rupture is related to a manufacturing defect and was not caused by deterioration of the ammonium nitrate.
Spokesman Bill Grotz said one person was injured in the Camaro in Brazil, but the company has no other reports of this type of inflator rupturing or hurting anyone else. “GM is taking this field action out of an abundance of caution and with the safety of our customers as our highest priority,” Grotz said. He said he couldn’t give details of the manufacturing defect.
Michael Brooks, executive director of the nonprofit Center for Auto Safety, said GM and NHTSA are leaving drivers to worry about what air bag inflators their vehicles have and whether they are safe to drive. “It’s kind of absurd that we’re left in the dark about what’s in our vehicles due to confidentiality provisions” granted to automakers, Brooks said.
NHTSA, he said, should play a larger role in reassuring consumers that this is a manufacturing defect and that their vehicles are safe. “There needs to be some sort of showing or some sort of demonstration that can make consumers feel confident that they’re not going to encounter the problem, and we’re not getting that,” he said.
A message was left Tuesday morning seeking comment from NHTSA.
Transportation, Business General Motors is recalling nearly 900 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada with Takata air bag inflators that could explode and hurl shrapnel in a crash.
Houston Strong Child Placement Agency, a minority-owned adoption and foster care organization, is actively involved in the legacy planning process alongside Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and her company Doing Far More LLC. Their participation highlights how legacy planning extends beyond financial assets to encompass emotional security and generational impact for families—especially those formed through adoption and foster care. These important insights were shared during an interview with Roselyn Omaka and further brought to the community at the Black Entrepreneur Tour’s Spring Formal, hosted by Doing Far More LLC, where the conversation focused on building lasting legacies for all families.
How the Agency Contributes
- The agency assists families and children in the foster care system to find permanent, loving homes, emphasizing the importance of family stability as a foundational part of legacy creation.
- Legacy planning, as discussed by Marlon Randolph (Director of Operations), is not just about material inheritance but also about establishing emotional security and leaving a lasting positive imprint for future generations—values that resonate deeply with both the agency’s mission and Mrs. Donna’s approach.
- Their involvement in events like the Black Entrepreneur Tour, where they connected with Mrs. Donna, demonstrates a shared commitment to community impact and education around legacy planning.
Why Adoption Agencies Matter in Legacy Planning
- For adoptive and foster families, legacy planning includes preparing for the emotional and financial future of children who may have experienced instability, ensuring they are supported and secure even after the current caregivers are gone.
- The agency’s leadership, with experience in both social work and hospice care, advocates for comprehensive legacy planning—incorporating life insurance, emotional well-being, and continuity for children and families.
Collaborative Community Impact
- The collaboration between Doing Far More LLC and Houston Strong Child Placement Agency exemplifies a holistic approach to legacy planning, combining financial planning, emotional support, and community engagement.
- By involving adoption agencies in the legacy conversation, Mrs. Donna expands the definition of legacy to include the creation and nurturing of family bonds, not just the transfer of wealth or assets.
“That legacy piece is establishing yourself but then also establishing the generations that come behind, whether that’s from a position of life insurance, emotional security… all those different elements that bring that comfort to your loved ones when you’re no longer here and leaving your fingerprints and your footprints even when you’re gone.” — Marlon Randolph, Houston Strong Child Placement Agency
Houston Strong Child Placement Agency is directly involved in legacy planning by ensuring that foster and adoptive families are equipped to provide lasting security and support for children. Their collaboration with Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and Doing Far More LLC underscores the importance of integrating emotional, social, and financial planning to create enduring legacies for all types of families.
Connect with Doing Far More LLC for legacy planning:
📞 832‑745‑1114 | ✉️ info@doingfarmore.com | 📱 Instagram: @doingfarmorellc | 🌐 www.doingfarmore.com
Connect with Roselyn for PR:
✉️ Roselyn@bolanlemedia.com | 📱 Instagram: @bolanlemedia @RoselynOmaka | 🌐 www.bolanlemedia.com
At Doing Far More LLC’s Black Entrepreneurship Tour, Roselyn Omaka of Bolanle Media sat down with Hattie M. Banks, founder and CEO of B’Elite Hand Rolled Cigar Service, for a conversation that blended luxury, culture, and legacy. As one of the few Black African American cigar rollers in the industry, Hattie shared how her business is redefining elegance, offering bespoke hand-rolled cigars for weddings, corporate events, trade shows, and private celebrations.
During the interview, Hattie spoke about her passion for the art of cigar rolling and what sets B’Elite apart: “I specialize in the art of rolling cigars. I’m a bit of an anomaly because there aren’t many Black African American cigar rollers, so I consider myself special.” Her presence at the tour was inspired by the chance to connect with other entrepreneurs and to bring awareness to the importance of legacy planning, a theme central to Doing Far More’s mission.
Hattie emphasized that legacy planning is about making sure your affairs are in order so loved ones don’t have to face unnecessary stress, especially during difficult times. She encouraged others to embrace these conversations and highlighted how events like the Black Entrepreneurship Tour help bring visibility and support to small businesses and cultural traditions.
B’Elite offers immersive, hands-on cigar rolling experiences, from VIP packages that include luxury accessories and bourbon pairings to live rolling for events, all crafted for those who expect nothing less than the elite. Hattie’s story is a testament to the power of passion, representation, and planning for the future.
Watch the full interview with Hattie on Bolanle Media’s YouTube channel (@bolanlemedia)—like and subscribe for more inspiring stories. For more on B’Elite Hand Rolled Cigar Service, visit their website or connect for your next event.
The Black Entrepreneur Tour: Spring Formal, hosted at The Grand UpperRoom in Katy, TX, was more than just an event—it was a powerful reminder of what it means to build and protect a legacy in Houston’s Black community. This impactful gathering was made possible entirely by Doing Far More LLC, led by the visionary Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne. Her passion and dedication brought together entrepreneurs, visionaries, and families for an afternoon focused on real strategies for generational wealth, with a special emphasis on the often-overlooked role of real estate in legacy planning.
Roselyn Omaka from Bolanle Media and Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne from Doing Far More LLC
The Meaning Behind the Movement
Legacy planning is about more than passing down money or a business. It’s about ensuring that the values, stories, and assets you’ve worked hard to build will continue to benefit your family and community for generations. As Mrs. Donna shared, “It’s not just about what you leave behind—it’s about how you set your loved ones up to thrive long after you’re gone.” The event created a safe, celebratory space for guests to share their personal journeys, challenges, and triumphs, making the experience deeply meaningful for all who attended.
The Real Estate Advantage
One of the most impactful topics discussed was the role of real estate in legacy planning. Real estate is more than an investment—it’s a cornerstone of generational wealth. By securing property, families can:
- Build equity that appreciates over time
- Provide stable housing or rental income for future generations
- Avoid the pitfalls of probate and family disputes through proper titling and estate planning
- Anchor a family’s presence and influence in their community
As highlighted during the event, many families lose valuable real estate due to lack of planning, leading to unnecessary legal battles and the loss of generational wealth. Mrs. Donna and her team emphasized the importance of proactive steps—like creating wills, trusts, and clear succession plans—to ensure that homes and properties remain assets, not burdens, for those left behind.
A Conversation That Matters
A highlight of the afternoon was the video interview with Roselyn Omaka, Founder and CEO of Bolanle Media. Sitting down with Mrs. Donna, Roselyn explored the deeper significance of legacy planning and how real estate can be a game-changer for Black families and entrepreneurs. Their conversation brought to light the urgent need for education and action, inspiring attendees to think beyond immediate business success and focus on long-term impact.
A Community United by Purpose
The Spring Formal wasn’t just about information—it was about inspiration and connection. Guests shared personal stories, learned from experts like Brittany Hall, owner of La Lutte Empire; Marcus Bowers , CEO of She’s Happy Hair and Cinema Anywhere Houston; and Martel Matthews (Black Wall Street and Trustavio), and left with practical tools to start their own legacy planning journeys. The event’s unique “pre-planning party” atmosphere turned a traditionally somber topic into a celebration of life, family, and future possibilities.
Stay Connected
Families looking to keep up with Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne and Doing Far More LLC can find resources, events, and one-on-one support through their website, social media, and direct contact. The movement continues, and everyone is invited to be part of a legacy that uplifts, protects, and empowers the next generation.
This entire impactful event was brought to you by Doing Far More LLC—Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne’s vision and leadership made it all possible.
Contact Mrs. Donna Marshall-Payne & Doing Far More LLC:
- Phone: 832-745-1114
- Email: info@doingfarmore.com
- Instagram: @doingfarmorellc
- Facebook: Doing Far More LLC
- Website: www.doingfarmore.com
Let’s do far more—together!
Trump Weighs Expanding Travel Ban to 36 More Countries
Is the Dream of Professional Filmmaking Dead?
Tyler Perry Hit with Sexual Harassment Allegations in $260 Million Lawsuit
Entertainment4 weeks agoUsher Named as Witness in Explosive Day 6 of Diddy’s Abuse Trial
Entertainment4 weeks agoThe Weeknd’s Journey Through Darkness, Healing, and Artistic Growth
- Entertainment4 weeks ago
Wrongfully Accused? Harvey Weinstein’s Plea for Fairness and Truth
- Entertainment4 weeks ago
JLo, Diddy, and the 1999 Club Shooting: Co-Conspirator or Victim?
- Advice1 week ago
5 Reasons Why Your Phone Videos Look FLAT
- Business7 days ago
The Deeper Meaning of the Black Entrepreneur Tour’s Spring Formal
- Business1 week ago
From Loss to Leadership: Martel Matthews on Legacy, Planning & Empowerment
- News1 week ago
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — A New Chapter in Psychological Warfare
