2004 Detroit Auto Show: Federal Safety Chief Visits

DETROIT Dee-Ann Durbin writing for the AP reported that the head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration cheered the Big Three automakers' new emphasis on cars instead of sport utility vehicles Tuesday during a visit to the North American International Auto Show.

"We know that passenger cars are in fact the safest vehicle design," Jeffrey Runge said. "It's encouraging that they're paying attention to getting that design into the marketplace."

But the news was mixed on air bags. During a visit to Toyota Motor Co.'s display, Runge repeatedly asked whether side-curtain air bags -- which protect occupants by inflating from the ceiling -- were standard on various models.

Toyota officials told Runge that side-curtain bags are a $600 option in the compact 2004 Prius, and they expect 10 to 15 percent of Prius owners to install them this year. About 20 percent of Sienna minivan owners choose the highest-end model, with standard side-curtain air bags, or have them installed separately.

"It's not a slam dunk with consumers. There's an education process with it," said Toyota marketing manager Mark Amstock.

Runge said new roof crush standards to protect vehicles in a rollover are NHTSA's next priority. He said manufacturers may not promote safety as much as design and speed at the auto show, but improvements "are definitely there."