Press Release

AAMA Calls for Reform of Air Bag Standard for Safety

09/19/96

AAMA Shares NTSB Concerns Re/ Air Bag Safety; Urges Support to
Amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208


WASHINGTON, Sept. 17 -- The American Automobile
Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and its members, Chrysler, Ford and
General Motors, share many of the concerns outlined today by the
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding improving air
bag safety.

"America's Car Companies are dedicated to improving and enhancing the
life-saving effectiveness of air bags for all vehicle occupants," said
Andrew H. Card, Jr., President and CEO. "We must all work together to
reduce the risks associated with air bags."

Last month, AAMA and its members petitioned the Federal government to
amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208 to permit improved,
slower deploying air bags. In addition, AAMA will continue to educate
consumers on responsible and safe driving habits as well as work
closely with state governments and law enforcement officials to
enhance and enforce safety belt laws.

Air bags are a proven technology credited, by government count, with
saving approximately 1,500 lives since the late 1980s. The air bag
however, is a supplemental safety device, intended to provide maximum
protection when used with a safety belt, the primary safety
device. Air bags are not a panacea for protecting vehicle occupants in
crashes and in some cases, their deployment may produce devastating
results. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), air bags have been cited in the deaths of 24
children as well as a number of injuries to improperly restrained or
out-of-position adults.

"To maximize air bag safety, everyone who drives or rides in a
vehicle, must follow a few simple rules: 1) all vehicle occupants
should wear their safety belts; 2) children of all ages should be
properly secured in the back seat; and 3) never place a rear-facing
child safety seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a
passenger side air bag. These few simple steps could mean the
difference between life and death," concluded Card.

AAMA is the trade association whose members are Chrysler Corporation
, Ford Motor Company and General Motors Corporation
. Visit its site on the World Wide Web at
http://www.aama.com.