ITT Automotive President Frank Macher Urges Automotive Industry To 'Make Safety a Standard, Not an Option'
12 November 1997
ITT Automotive President Frank Macher Urges Automotive Industry To 'Make Safety a Standard, Not an Option'
Unveils Supplier's Plans to Promote Safer Driving,
Increase Consumer Awareness
DETROIT, Mich., Nov. 12 -- ITT Automotive's President Frank
Macher today issued a call to action to the automotive industry, urging
automakers to make safety technologies more readily available to consumers and
join in the effort to increase awareness of vital traffic safety issues.
Macher's words were delivered during his first public briefing since assuming
the top position at ITT Automotive in mid-June of this year.
During a brief presentation, Macher unveiled the company's new advertising
campaign that will be rolled out in the Detroit area beginning this week.
The campaign message, "Safety is a Standard, Not an Option," is designed to
promote the standardization of anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and leverage
ITT Automotive's bold stance on consumer safety with the automobile industry.
"ITT Automotive is issuing a call to action to the U.S. automobile
industry: together, let's do more to encourage safe driving habits," said
Macher. "Give consumers the maximum benefit of the biggest safety
breakthrough of our generation. Provide the driving public with greater
access to the accident avoidance technology that they deserve and desire.
Let's work together to find new ways to get America to drive safer, including
making four-wheel ABS standard in the American market."
To support his statement, Macher cited an independent study indicating
that 89 percent of the public want ABS on their new vehicle purchases, while
only 62 percent of 1996 Model Year vehicles came equipped with ABS.
Macher insists that four-wheel, anti-lock brakes -- like any other
technology -- must be used properly to help avoid accidents, prevent injuries
and save lives. He pointed out the need to further raise consumer awareness
about safe driving techniques and how to practice using the safety
technologies that support active accident avoidance.
"The U.S. automakers have invested in superior technology and applied
their expertise to make vehicles safer for drivers and their families," said
Macher. "Today's newer cars are much safer because of advanced technologies
such as anti-lock brakes and traction control mechanisms, but we're taking
safety to the next level -- making sure consumers know how to properly use
these new technologies."
In February 1997, ITT Automotive partnered with Indy car driver and
automotive expert Lyn St. James to launch "Drive Safer America!", a national
consumer awareness campaign designed to help drivers better understand the
proper techniques for driving safely year round and in all types of weather
conditions.
As part of the "Drive Safer America!" campaign, ITT Automotive joined with
AAA Michigan this past summer to bring the safety message directly to
consumers, taking a 150 foot-long skid pad to public venues throughout the
state. First introduced at the ITT Automotive Detroit Grand Prix, the "Skid
Pad Challenge" allowed interested spectators the opportunity to experience
first-hand the effect, benefit and proper use of anti-lock braking systems
during an emergency braking situation. Hundreds of participants were able to
compare the maneuverability of a vehicle equipped with an anti-lock braking
system versus a vehicle equipped with traditional brakes on the soapy skid pad
used to simulate severe driving conditions.
"As an industry leader in the development of automotive safety technology
and expertise, ITT Automotive is taking a greater role in informing drivers
about how to properly operate their vehicles," said Macher. "The 'Drive Safer
America!' consumer awareness program, the 'Skid Pad Challenge' and the ABS
advertising campaign signify how strongly we feel about safety."
For a free "Drive Safer America!" brochure and ABS instructional video,
consumers can call 800-694-5200. To learn more about "Drive Safer America!,"
consumers can access the Internet site located at
http://www.ittautomotive.com/drivesafer.
ITT Industries (http://www.ittind.com) is a leading worldwide diversified
manufacturing company, with 1996 sales of $8.4 billion from its three primary
business segments: Automotive, Defense & Electronics, and Fluid Technology.
ITT Automotive is one of the largest independent suppliers of systems and
components to automotive manufacturers. ITT Defense & Electronics is a leader
in the design, manufacture and support of high technology electronic systems
and components for defense and commercial markets. ITT Fluid Technology is
one of the world's leading manufacturers of products, systems and services for
the movement, measurement, and control of fluids.
In addition to the New York Stock Exchange, ITT Industries' stock is
traded under the symbol ("IIN") on the Midwest, Pacific, London, Frankfurt and
Paris exchanges.
SOURCE ITT Automotive