- 7 March 2024
Indian Automakers Embrace Six Airbags for Enhanced Safety
In a significant shift in India’s automotive landscape, mass-market car manufacturers are adopting six airbags as the new safety standard for both cars and SUVs.
This move marks a substantial change in the world’s third-largest automobile market, driven by evolving market dynamics and heightened concerns for consumer safety.
The inclusion of six airbags, once a feature exclusive to premium and luxury vehicles, is now becoming more accessible
and affordable to the average Indian car buyer. Notably, the Indian government clarified last month that while two airbags are mandatory, six airbags are not a requirement, placing the responsibility on consumers to prioritize safety when purchasing a vehicle.
India Faces Road Safety Challenges
India has been grappling with a high rate of road accidents, drawing attention to the pressing need for road safety measures and safer vehicles.
In response, the government introduced the Bharat New Car Assessment Program, which came into effect on October 1.
This initiative represents India’s first crash testing standard for domestically manufactured vehicles. Despite having only 1% of the world’s vehicle population, India ranks at the top globally for road accidents.
Key Findings of the Report
According to data from Jato Dynamics, the share of mass-market cars equipped with six airbags is set to increase to 46% across 1,443 different variants in 2023.
In a proactive move to prioritize customer safety, South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor recently announced its decision to make six airbags standard across its entire lineup of cars in India.
Additionally, other prominent vehicle manufacturers like Tata Motors and Mahindra are also actively working towards making six airbags a standard feature across all their vehicles, underscoring their commitment to enhancing safety on Indian roads.
