Automakers set an all-time record in 2015, selling more cars than any other year in US history. They also set an annual record of a more dubious kind. Carmakers recalled more cars than ever.

To stem the tide of safety crises, 18 automakers like BMW, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Ford Motor, GM, Honda Motor, Hyundai Motor, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia Motors, Mazda Motor, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Nissan Motor, Porsche, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo Car reached a voluntary agreement with federal regulators Friday morning on a set of principles designed to improve motor-vehicle safety and eliminate road fatalities.

"I don't need to recount the crisis after crisis we've been dealing. We know they haven't been good for the industry, for the DOT and most importantly, for public safety. Today we're taking a strong stand in favor of a new approach" said Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.

Foxx also said the auto industry will seek to borrow ideas from the aviation industry on how to improve its safety standards and share information.