A while ago Datsun's Go hatchback marketed in India by Nissan along with Maruti Suzuki's popular Swift hatchback had faced a lot of criticism and lashing from Global NCAP authorities who raised severe safety questions over these vehicles. The situation went to such an extent that Nissan's head had received a letter from NCAP asking for immediate withdrawal of the hatchback from the domestic market.
As a strong reply to the controversy, Guillaume Sicard, President of Nissan’s Indian operations said, “Safety is a subject all of us constantly talk about within Nissan, I am still confident of my strategy for Datsun.” Avoiding conflict with Global NCAP, Sicard stated that he respects the NCAP for its valuation standards, but also was quick to add that findings were based on just one specific aspect of safety (crash tests) that was conducted by the evaluation company.
Being the second largest Japanese carmaker in India, Sicard added, “Safety is in a constant stage of evolution and a never-ending exercise. Other requirements in active safety include road conditions, seat-belts, helmets etc. We are here to develop the Indian four-wheeler market and play a role in reducing accidents.” He said safety needs to be measured in terms of driving conditions, skills and visibility, and adding further he said, “We are proud of the GO on active safety and it is right on top when it comes to braking distance, road holding, advanced suspension, long-range headlamps and seats that reduce fatigue.”
Source: HBL
