Push for world standards

WASHINGTON: Two automotive trade associations have formally asked the United States Government to push for the adoption of "functionally equivalent" safety standards worldwide.

The American Automobile Manufacturers Association and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers have proposed a modification of five federal safety standards to recognize differing European standards as equivalent in providing the same level of safety.

If the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration adopts the proposed changes, manufacturers would have the option of complying with either the U.S. or European standard for five safety systems.

These are: windshield defrosting and defogging, windshield wiping and washing, headlamp concealment devices, head restraints and seat belt assemblies.

"American and European regulators have developed different standards to achieve similar goals," according to AAMA president and chief executive officer Andrew Card, Junior.

"The differing standards will not improve safety, but may raise costs and limit consumer choices," he said.

The five safety systems that are the subject of the petitions are among dozens regulated by federal motor vehicle safety standards.