From 1990 to 2010, automobile manufactures have conquered the Government's crash-safety test. Around 99 car models in the 2010 model year received 5 stars in both side and front crash tests. The US Transportation Department believes that those results were to easily earned, so the new tests will be more rigorous and difficult. David Strickland, chief of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said "Were just trying to make the manufactures stretch," referring to the safety aspect when producing the cars. The new test will include crash dummies that will replicate and female body, and look into if the car has accident prevention technology, etc. As of right now only 33 cars have received a 5 star rating, compared to the 99 cars in 2010.
This is a very informative issue discussed in this article. Not only does it tell of the government's actions and concerns in the Automotive Industry, but it also shows how car companies will not be able to advertise as efficiently. In previous advertisements for some cars, the car company can advertise the 5 star safety rating, however that is now not true for cars such as the Ford Taurus and the Toyota Camry. This issue show how the government and industry interact and deal with the demands of both groups.
Patrick Mehlert
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703843804575533961959252030.html?mod=WSJ_auto_LeadStoryCollection
I am astonished to see that for about 20 years, automobile manufacturers have been able to get away with easily passing government crash-safety tests. The government is right: there clearly is a problem with the test. How can so many cars pass such a test with little failures? Obviously, the tests need to be more difficult if so many cars have passed. A car’s safety level needs to be honest and appropriately presented to consumers. Not only is a high safety-level necessary for the car’s passenger’s wellbeing, but for needed competition between auto manufacturers. The more competition, to make a safer car, between automakers, the safer the car will be.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are right- “car companies will not be able to advertise as efficiently.” With stricter tests, the more significant the test’s results become. Carmakers will face fierce competition, which will benefit consumers, on who will achieve a high rating.
Tougher government crash tests for the 2011 model year will make the desirable "5-star" safety ratings for vehicles stand out even more in ads. This stricter rating system will significantly help consumers distinguish among vehicles. Will this stricter rating scale negatively affect cars, like the Smart cars, which people know are not safe but choose to get them anyway to fit their lifestyle?
Irene Kalis
I agree..this will negatively affect advertisement in a huge way for the automakers that are used to pumping out 5-star rated cars. It may also help others makers who produce a very safe ca, but do not get recognition for it.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure how the rigor of most foreign crash safety tests compare to the U.S.'s, but this could possibly effect the number of car being produced and sold in the U.S.
If foreign markets have lower safety standards, auto makers might move some production out of the country. Safety standards do effect all automakers in the U.S., but it also might lowers the incentive for automakers to market their cars and sell them here. Larger manufacturers who have the means may target other markets.