Explained: The case for six airbags | Explained News,The Indian Express
Manufacturers say the govt plan will make cars more expensive, and will require the re-engineering of vehicles. But experts say the cost argument may not be accurate — and in any case, lives are priceless.
Maruti Suzuki, India’s top carmaker, wants the government to review a proposal to make six airbags mandatory in passenger vehicles, citing its impact on the price-sensitive entry-level car segment, which has been facing a slide in sales over the last four years, and where the Japanese car major has a significant market presence.
The reiteration of this demand by Maruti Suzuki Chairman R C Bhargava comes days after the country’s second largest carmaker Hyundai Motor decided to pull the plug on its new Santro in the wake of declining sales and the new safety norms that are likely to come into effect later this year. The changes required to reconfigure the hatchback with six airbags was seen as an unviable proposition.
What are the new safety norms?
On January 14 this year, Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari tweeted: “In order to enhance the safety of the occupants in motor vehicles carrying upto 8 passengers, I have now approved a Draft GSR Notification to make a minimum of 6 Airbags compulsory.”
No timelines were mentioned then, but Gadkari had in August last year urged all automakers in India to offer at least six airbags as standard equipment on all variants of all models. Dual airbags (driver and passenger) became mandatory on all vehicles this January. A driver airbag has been compulsory for all passenger vehicles since July 1, 2019.
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