Re: Re:U.S. Production figures added to database
alan H (alan505@hotmail.com)
Tue, 29 Jun 1999 20:46:28 GMT
>On another recent subject, anyone know what the
>differences are between US and Europe crash testing
> that made the Voyager pretty good in the US and
>"appalling" in Europe?
>
I don't personally know the differences. Its all so subjective.
I would question all tests. I wonder if bias is a factor in tests?
I wonder if automotive safety testers were required to test in a "double
blind" type test if certain makes would fair better.
We have the Insurance Industry testing vehicles. Their ultimate objective in
any matter is saving money (ie increasing their profits)
They pay out millions of dollars for SUV caused wrecks, so its to their
advantage to influence manufactures to change their design. And their tests
really don't measure safety, just how much they have to cough up to fix body
panels. We have Consumer Reports who claim not to be biased, but I would
question that. I remember reading their BMX bike reviews as a kid and
laughing at their judgement of durability. (riding off a one-story roof,
running into a brick wall, etc...)
One would think that German standards would be more rigid, as their
multi-airbag placement strategy is out pacing DOT requirements. Yet they
still have to pass US standards that may be inferior to their own.
As far as European vehicle testing is concerned, FIAT in the Detroit area
has a big R/D center. I was told that many companies contract Fiat to prep
and test their cars for EPA/DOT. They seem to know the ropes and have
"massaged" several cars that were in danger of failing.
Fiat was working on the 605 for Peugeot before they pulled the plug. (an
interesting note, I got to read the note from Pascal H. at PMA regarding the
pullout, and he mentioned the 605.)
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