GM broke law, knew of defects since 2009: U.S. transport chief

General Motors Co knew about the link between faulty ignition switches and air bag failures since at least November 2009, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said on Friday, citing GM for breaking the law and failing to meet public safety obligations.

In a news conference announcing a record $35 million penalty against GM, Foxx also said the Obama administration wants the ceiling for such fines against automakers that fail to quickly report safety problems raised to $300 million.

(Reporting by Richard Cowan and Eric Beech; Writing by Susan Heavey, Editing by Franklin Paul)