US regulators slap BMW with R603-million fine

Detroit - German automaker BMW is facing a $40-million penalty from U.S safety regulators for moving too slowly to fix Mini brand cars that didn't pass federal crash tests.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says BMW didn't recall cars quickly enough, and failed to send the agency accurate recall information.

The agency says BMW AG agreed to the violations in an order and will take steps to ensure they don't happen again.

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The company has to pay $10-million in cash and spend $10-million on steps comply with the order. Another $20-million in fines must be paid if BMW doesn't comply or commits other safety violations.

It's the second fine against BMW in recent years for similar violations. The company was fined $3-million in 2012.