The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

DaimlerChrysler adds their 2 cents

5 May 2000

DaimlerChrysler Statement in Response to NHTSA Final Rule Advanced Air Bag Systems
(Editor's Note: Not being satisfied with the overall statement made by the 
association of automakers, DaimlerChrysler found it necessary to add the 
following comment)


    AUBURN HILLS, Mich.- Sue Cischke, Senior Vice President for Regulatory 
Affairs & Passenger Car Operations, DaimlerChrysler Corporation, responds to the
announced NHTSA Final Rule on Advanced Air Bag Systems:

    "DaimlerChrysler Corporation has a strong and long-standing commitment to
increasing vehicle safety through improvements in air bag technology.  We
support the final rule on advanced air bag systems because it represents a
carefully balanced approach to increasing occupant protection while minimizing
the risks to children and others from air bag deployments.

    "A broad coalition of health and safety organizations (National
Transportation Safety Board, American Trauma Society, Insurance Institute for
Highway Safety, American Automobile Association, National Safety Council,
National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Representatives, and
National Safe Kids) shared the view of our company and the rest of the
automobile industry in the position that the government should not require a
crash test that would result in higher power air bags.  The government saw the
merits of this position allowing improvements to continue to be made in
advancing the lifesaving benefits of air bags without placing children and
others at greater risk.

    "Advancements in air bag technology can further reduce, but not eliminate,
the risks to vehicle occupants.  Air bags are a supplemental safety device
designed to work in combination with seat belts as part of an overall safety
system.

    "Through its 'The Back Is Where It's At' and 'Fit For A Kid' safety
initiatives, DaimlerChrysler Corporation is committed to educating parents and
children about air bag safety and the importance of proper child restraint."

                         Always wear your seat belt.
      Children under 12 should be properly restrained in the back seat.