This new year began with the news of a proposal which mandated Six Airbags In Passenger Vehicle. Despite significant resistance, India is ready to go with this decision and push in lieu of public interest. This guideline would mandate four-passenger airbags and two side or curtain airbags in all passenger vehicles.
As per multiple sources, this decision could have a negative impact on the market as well. Due to inflation, the manufacturing and handling costs of new automobiles have risen manifold. Mandating six airbags would surely increase the ex-showroom price of a vehicle and this was one of the major criteria of resistance against this proposition.
However, as per the authorities, the India Road Transportation Corporation is willing to push this decision as safety is a non-negotiable entity for the occupants commuting in the passenger capsule. Therefore, the guidelines for the same are being drafted steadily with constant feedback from automotive manufacturers and would be enforced after October 1, 2022.
Many automotive manufacturers claim that manufacturing the budget segment vehicles is a task as cost reduction is already at its peak. As the number of airbags increase, this expenditure would eventually be driven down to the customer's pocket. This might strike off the segment of buyers who are sensitive to the pricing of the vehicle as they would no longer be able to afford it.
As per the government resources and claims, the maximum rise in cost of the vehicle after adding four more airbags along with the mandatory driver and passenger airbags would increase the costs by not more than 75 USD. Automotive manufacturers claims that the data provided by JATO Dynamics estimates the price hike to be more than 200 USD which is a far more significant amount compared to the former. To support this concern, localised manufacturing of parts for adding airbags can aid to control costs and also promote the agenda of Make In India.
Also Read: Cars With 4 Or More Airbags Under Rs 10 Lakhs In India
Many automotive manufacturers across the world supply their vehicles with multiple airbags. India being a price sensitive market is deprived of these benefits and the automotive manufacturers try to cope up with the minimum configurations and requirements. At times, it is just the top end variant which is well equipped in terms of safety, thus forcing the people to shell out more money to not compromise on safety.
As many automotive manufacturers have managed to perform cost cutting in hideous ways and compromising on safety, the government had to eventually kick in and mandate the same to control and regulate the statistics of fatalities in road accidents.
Also Read: Six Airbags Or Two Airbags With A Stable Body Shell?
So, what do you think about this decision of mandating Six Airbags In Passenger Vehicles? Share your views in the comment section. Let's get into a discussion with this in our 91Wheels Telegram and 91Wheels Whatsapp group, where you can know more about vehicles, conduct discussions on your favourite ride, and much more! You can also subscribe to our Youtube channel for our exclusive video content on the latest from the world of cars and motorcycles. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more about vehicles!
