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Automobile industry

Automakers Achieve 100% Compliance with Crash Compatibility Standards

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Automakers have successfully implemented a voluntary agreement to ensure new cars and light trucks are engineered to be more compatible in front- and side-impact crashes. This agreement, launched in 2003, involves major manufacturers such as BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, and Toyota, among others. Since its inception, the agreement has led to a significant reduction in fatality rates, with a 19% lower rate for belted car drivers in frontal crashes with 2000-03 model light trucks that already met the criteria.

Key Takeaways:

  • The voluntary agreement, launched in 2003, involves 16 major automakers, including BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
  • The agreement aims to enhance occupant protection in front- and side-impact crashes by better matching the front structural components of different vehicles.
  • By installing head-protecting side airbags, automakers have reduced driver fatality risk by about 37% in crashes involving the driver's side of the vehicle.
  • As of September 1, 2009, 100% of participating manufacturers' applicable vehicles will be designed to improve crash compatibility.
  • IIHS research indicates that crash compatibility is just one of many voluntary industry commitments developed by automakers and international safety expert groups, with benefits resulting from cooperative efforts.
  • The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM), and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have reported the agreement's success to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
  • The agreement has led to significant reductions in fatality rates, with a 19% lower rate for belted car drivers in frontal crashes with 2000-03 model light trucks that already met the criteria.
  • Side airbags with head protection have been shown to reduce driver fatality risk by about 37% in crashes involving the driver's side of the vehicle.
  • The agreement demonstrates the importance of cooperative efforts in support of customer-oriented outcomes and has shown that automakers can achieve results more quickly than through regulations.

Statistics:

  • 19% lower fatality rate for belted car drivers in frontal crashes with 2000-03 model light trucks that already met the criteria (IIHS study, 2000-04)
  • 19% reduction in car driver fatality rates when the cars were struck in the side by light trucks meeting the criteria (IIHS study, 2000-04)
  • 100% of participating manufacturers' applicable vehicles will be designed to improve crash compatibility by September 1, 2009
  • 37% reduction in driver fatality risk in crashes involving the driver's side of the vehicle with side airbags and head protection (IIHS study)
  • 16 major automakers involved in the voluntary agreement (BMW, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Toyota, and Volkswagen)
  • 40% of all passenger cars and light trucks sold annually in the United States accounted for by AIAM member companies
  • 36% of U.S. light vehicle production accounted for by AIAM member companies

Sources:

  • All text is cited from: "Automakers Achieve 100% Compliance with Crash Compatibility Standards" by PR Newswire-USNewswire, Washington, Aug. 27
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
  • Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (http://www.autoalliance.org/)
  • Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM)
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

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