India issued the first draft guidelines requiring all new cars to be fitted with six airbags by October 1, including four passenger airbags and two side-curtain airbags. The rules were to be finalised in February, but they are still analysing feedback from the manufacturers.
\n\n\n\n
Maruti Suzuki, the country’s top-selling carmaker, has publicly pushed back regarding the guidelines, saying they would hurt sales and that side airbags are not mandated anywhere in the world. Sales of compact cars have already been declining during the pandemic, and such price hikes will only ensure that they will go down further.
\n\n
\n\n\n\n
Adding all the mandatory airbags will increase the prices by $231, which is around Rs 17,624 according to the auto market data provider JATO Dynamics. The cost might further increase in some cases as the companies might need to make some engineering changes to the car's structure.
\n\n\n\n
The Nitin Gadkari-led department estimates the cost of all the changes to be around $75 (5,722 INR). The ministry said, \"The cost implication is exaggerated. The ministry has consulted airbag makers on the cost and time needed to make the parts locally. Carmakers should provide airbags as a matter of safety. It should not have to be mandated by the government. We’re having to set up regulations because companies are not doing it on their own.\"
6 Airbags Mandatory In New Cars From 1st October 2022
The Road Transport Ministry of India is standing firm on their decision to require 6 airbags for all passenger cars. Car manufacturers have resisted by saying it would hike the prices of vehicles, which would fend away some potential customers, especially for lower budget cars. But the ministry quo...
The Road Transport Ministry of India is standing firm on their decision to require 6 airbags for all passenger cars. Car manufacturers have resisted by saying it would hike the prices of vehicles, which would fend away some potential customers, especially for lower budget cars. But the ministry quoted, "Safety is non-negotiable. The ministry is finalising the rules, which will take some time to be notified."
India issued the first draft guidelines requiring all new cars to be fitted with six airbags by October 1, including four passenger airbags and two side-curtain airbags. The rules were to be finalised in February, but they are still analysing feedback from the manufacturers.
Maruti Suzuki, the country’s top-selling carmaker, has publicly pushed back regarding the guidelines, saying they would hurt sales and that side airbags are not mandated anywhere in the world. Sales of compact cars have already been declining during the pandemic, and such price hikes will only ensure that they will go down further.
Adding all the mandatory airbags will increase the prices by $231, which is around Rs 17,624 according to the auto market data provider JATO Dynamics. The cost might further increase in some cases as the companies might need to make some engineering changes to the car's structure.
The Nitin Gadkari-led department estimates the cost of all the changes to be around $75 (5,722 INR). The ministry said, "The cost implication is exaggerated. The ministry has consulted airbag makers on the cost and time needed to make the parts locally. Carmakers should provide airbags as a matter of safety. It should not have to be mandated by the government. We’re having to set up regulations because companies are not doing it on their own."
Specializes in: Electric Vehicles, Hybrid Technology
Immanuel Raja is an Automotive Writer with 8 years of experience covering the Indian automotive landscape. He specializes in Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Technology, with particular expertise in battery systems, charging infrastructure, and the integration of alternative powertrains in Indian road conditions. Raja has extensively tested over 200 vehicles across various segments, from entry-level EVs to premium hybrids, developing nuanced insights into their performance on India's diverse and challenging roads. His analysis encompasses both technical specifications and practical ownership considerations that matter to Indian consumers, including charging accessibility, maintenance costs, and performance in extreme weather conditions. With a finger on the pulse of India's evolving automotive preferences, Raja delivers clear, factual assessments that help readers navigate the transition to electrified mobility in the context of India's unique market dynamics.
Immanuel Raja is an Automotive Writer with 8 years of experience covering the Indian automotive landscape. He specializes in Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Technology, with particular expertise in battery systems, charging infrastructure, and the integration of alternative powertrains in Indian road conditions. Raja has extensively tested over 200 vehicles across various segments, from entry-level EVs to premium hybrids, developing nuanced insights into their performance on India's diverse and challenging roads. His analysis encompasses both technical specifications and practical ownership considerations that matter to Indian consumers, including charging accessibility, maintenance costs, and performance in extreme weather conditions. With a finger on the pulse of India's evolving automotive preferences, Raja delivers clear, factual assessments that help readers navigate the transition to electrified mobility in the context of India's unique market dynamics.
Immanuel Raja is an Automotive Writer with 8 years of experience covering the Indian automotive landscape. He specializes in Electric Vehicles and Hybrid Technology, with particular expertise in battery systems, charging infrastructure, and the integration of alternative powertrains in Indian road conditions. Raja has extensively tested over 200 vehicles across various segments, from entry-level EVs to premium hybrids, developing nuanced insights into their performance on India's diverse and challenging roads. His analysis encompasses both technical specifications and practical ownership considerations that matter to Indian consumers, including charging accessibility, maintenance costs, and performance in extreme weather conditions. With a finger on the pulse of India's evolving automotive preferences, Raja delivers clear, factual assessments that help readers navigate the transition to electrified mobility in the context of India's unique market dynamics.
About the Author
Want to read more automotive news?
Stay updated with the latest car launches, reviews, and industry insights.
