Manufacturers to scrap old cars in view of new safety norms?

In a bid to improve India's poor road safety record, the Government has announced that it will make safety features such as airbags and anti-lock braking system (ABS) compulsory on all cars from 2017. Additionally, crash tests will also be made mandatory. In view of the new safety norms that cars will have to meet, many manufacturers could soon be forced to scrap some of their older models.

Many car sold in India do not come with airbags or ABS. While some of these might be upgradable to accommodate the safety features, the modifications and additions will push their costs up considerably. Crash tests conducted by Global NCAP earlier this year showed that most entry level Indian cars have such poor structural integrity that addition of airbags would not help in bettering their performance. This means that vehicles will need sturdier structures if they are to put up a good show in crash tests. This will also send the cost of the cars upwards.

In view of these developments, manufacturers might even consider phasing out certain models and introduce new ones. Considering that new cars take 2-3 years to design, manufacturers do not have much time to make their decisions.

While the steps being taken by Government are welcome by informed and safety-conscious motorists, price-sensitive customers might not be willing to pay the additional amount needed for safety features.

Source: ET Auto