Takata is expected to narrow down which companies to approach for investment, Kyodo said without citing sources, adding that candidates would include automakers such as top client Honda Motor Co have said they will stop using Takata airbag inflators in new vehicle models, and have been sourcing replacement inflators from alternative suppliers. Given current recall figures, industry experts estimate that Takata could face a recall bill of about $3.5 billion if it is found to be responsible for the defective airbags, more than double the company's current assets of about $1.3 billion as of December.