OEMs Agree to Safety Upgrades

Vehicle manufacturers including the U.S. and Japanese Big Three, Volkswagen AG and BMW AG, are vowing to make occupants safer in front- and side impacts and to lower the risk of death or injury in crashes between light trucks and passenger cars.

The OEMs, members of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, will enhance front structural components and side-impact protection to better protect occupants in crashes.

The new voluntary commitment was co-developed through efforts by the AAM and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Other auto makers participating are Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd., Isuzu Motors Ltd., Kia Motors Corp., Mazda Motor Corp., Mitsubishi Motors Corp., Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (Subaru) and Suzuki Motor Corp.

“Better geometric and stiffness matching of front structures will reduce override and underride and the resulting intrusion into compartments that can occur in serious head-on crashes,” says IIHS President Brian O'Neill.

By Sept. 1, 2007, at least 50% of vehicles sold in the U.S. by the participating auto makers are expected to meet the front-to-side performance criteria, which calls for side and side curtain airbags and revised structures to protect car and light truck passengers in side impacts.