Ford to Offer Side-Impact Air Bags in All US Models by 2023

Strategic Insights -

Ford Motor Co. plans to offer side-impact air bags in all its car models in the US, starting with its luxury vehicles, as part of a broader effort to enhance vehicle safety. The introduction of side air bags is seen as a significant step in reducing fatalities in side-impact collisions, which account for 30% of all accident fatalities. Ford's automotive operations president, Jac Nasser, announced the plan at the New York Auto Show, citing the company's goal of developing the technology at a low cost that can be installed in all models. This move marks a first for a major American automaker and follows similar steps taken by European car manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and Toyota.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ford plans to offer side-impact air bags in all its US car models within the next three years, starting with luxury vehicles.
  • The technology, which typically is found in expensive European cars, will be built into the outer side of front seats to protect occupants' heads and necks upon impact.
  • The air bags will inflate parallel to the driver, rather than towards them, providing enhanced protection.
  • The company's goal is to reduce fatalities in side-impact collisions, which account for 30% of all accident fatalities.
  • Side air bags will be installed in the Ford Windstar minivan, but not initially in other vans, pickups, or sport-utility vehicles.
  • The decision not to include side air bags in non-car models is based on the fact that people sit higher in these vehicles, making the solution less effective.
  • Ford has been working on side-impact air bag technology for years, and the company's automotive operations president, Jac Nasser, credited the development of low-cost technology for making widespread adoption possible.
  • Six of General Motors Corp.'s 81 models already contain side air bags, and G.M. plans to add the devices to an additional 15 models in the future.

Statistics:

  • 30% of all accident fatalities result from side-impact collisions.
  • Ford plans to offer side-impact air bags in all its US car models within three years.
  • The technology will be built into the outer side of front seats to protect occupants' heads and necks upon impact.
  • Ford's automotive operations president, Jac Nasser, credited the company's efforts in developing low-cost technology for widespread adoption of side air bags.

Sources:

  • AP Report on Business
  • The New York Times