- Six airbags compulsory in India on all cars seating up to 8 people
- Prices of new cars are expected to increase by Rs. 50,000
- Delivery of cars to be affected due to design and developmental changes
In a landmark announcement, the Union Minister for Transport Nitin Gadkari has made inclusion of six airbags mandatory on all new cars from Oct 1, 2022. This is a major safety update from incorporation of passenger side airbags made mandatory from Jan 1, 2022.
The Union Transport Minister has stated that the new policy is meant “to minimize the impact of frontal and lateral collisions to the occupants seated in both front and rear compartments”. The new safety policy requires six airbags to be installed in all cars with seating capacity up to eight passengers. In addition to the two front airbags, all cars are to have two side torso airbags and two side curtain airbags. This is another step in the direction of improving vehicle safety in India, a market that has traditionally favoured lower prices over safety features.
While this is a big leap in terms of safety, it is also a big jump in terms of cost, as currently cars with six airbags cost more than 10 lakhs. While automakers are wary of the added cost of the new policy, the success of the Kia Carens has proven that buyers are willing to pay the higher cost for additional safety features. One cause of concern for auto manufacturers is the internal design that will have to be redone to accommodate the airbags. This will take time and increase the waiting period for all new cars while the changes are implemented.
To be able to meet with the demands of the market, the carmakers, through the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM), have approached the government to reconsider the date for implementation of the six airbags notification.
Cars like the Kia Carens come standard with six airbags and it has surely set the standard for other cars as well. The Carens is not the only car in India with six airbags, and this new policy will standardize basic safety features for the consumer.
