GM's Barra Pledges To Be Transparent When She Knows The Answers

(RTTNews) - Facing intense questioning from U.S. lawmakers, General Motors (GM) Chief Executive Officer Mary Barra claimed that the company would be fully transparent as soon as it discovers the reason for the decade-long delay in recalling vehicles with defective ignition switches.

"More than a decade ago, GM embarked on a small car program," Barra said in prepared remarks. "Sitting here today, I cannot tell you why it took years for a safety defect to be announced in that program, but I can tell you that we will find out."

She added, "When we have answers, we will be fully transparent with you, with our regulators, and with our customers."

Barra's remarks came during testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on Tuesday.

The committee is investigating GM's failure to initiate a recall to fix faulty ignition switches that have been linked to 13 deaths.

GM has allegedly known about the problem with the switches, which can cut off power to air bags, steering and brakes, for nearly a decade.

Since February, GM has recalled 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts, Saturn Ions and other vehicles due to the ignition switch issue.

Barra, who became CEO in January, claimed the company acted without hesitation once she learned about the problem.

"We told the world we had a problem that needed to be fixed," Barra said. "We did so because whatever mistakes were made in the past, we will not shirk from our responsibilities now and in the future. Today's GM will do the right thing."

She added, "That begins with my sincere apologies to everyone who has been affected by this recall…especially to the families and friends of those who lost their lives or were injured. I am deeply sorry."

Barra noted that she's asked former U.S. Attorney Anton Valukas to investigate GM's actions and named a new vice president for Global Vehicle Safety.

GM is under pressure from lawmakers and the families of those killed in the accidents to declare that the cars are unsafe to drive until new ignition switches are installed.

Members of Congress are also pushing the company to establish a fund to compensate the victims of the accidents.