Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP) has been giving a tough time to most of carmakers in India. The worst being affected was the Datsun Go by Nissan. Last year post test results the company had argued on the vehicle as non-compromising on safety. This time bagged down under consistent questions being raised over its safety, the company has agreed strengthen the body shell and fit airbags in its controversial Datsun Go hatchbacks.
Speaking more on the occasion Global NCAP chairman Max Mosley said, “Safety improvements stimulated by legislation and consumer awareness campaigns in high-income economies that have saved hundreds of thousands of lives are not yet systematically available for drivers and their families in rapidly growing lower-income markets. Crash-test standards introduced 20 years ago for cars sold in Europe are yet to be met by many new cars being sold today in leading middle-income countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. This is entirely unacceptable. Manufacturers cannot continue to treat millions of their customers as second-class citizens when it comes to life-saving standards of occupant protection.”
Commenting on the situation, a spokesperson from Nissan said, “As a company, we invest in continuous product and model line-up enhancement taking into account market trends and customers’ requirements. As part of ongoing product development we will offer driver’s airbag as an option for Datsun GO+ and Datsun GO in India. Some technical evolution of the base car will also be implemented across the line-up to ensure efficient airbag performance.”
Source: TG
