{"id":1236,"date":"2015-12-04T21:40:00","date_gmt":"2015-12-04T21:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nclnet.org\/gm_international_safety\/"},"modified":"2020-12-14T21:51:48","modified_gmt":"2020-12-14T21:51:48","slug":"gm_international_safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nclnet.org\/gm_international_safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Groups call on General Motors to increase safety of cars sold overseas – National Consumers League"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

December 4, 2015<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Mary Barra
Chief Executive Officer
General Motors
300 Renaissance Centre
Detroit, MI 48265,\u00a0<\/p>\n

Re: GM adding same safety technology to all vehicles made and sold anywhere per UN Car Safety Regulations<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dear Ms. Barra:\u00a0<\/p>\n

We write as American consumer organizations with a history of working on auto safety. We wish to reference the recent letter you received from Consumers International, which is attached here.<\/p>\n

We were surprised and disappointed to learn from our consumer colleagues in Latin America of the poor performance of General Motors\u2019 (GM)\u00a0 in auto safety tests conducted by the New Car Assessment Programme for Latin America and the Caribbean (Latin NCAP). These results are directly related to GM\u2019s failure to provide the same safety technologies on cars sold in Latin America as the company provides as standard equipment in cars sold in the US market. We are specifically referring to basic safety features, such as airbags, but also newer life-saving technologies like electronic stability control and pre-tensioned seat belts, all of which are fitted as standard on GM vehicles in the US.<\/p>\n

Indeed, the Chevrolet Aveo received a zero rating in Latin NCAP\u2019s most recent independent crash test results, and was described as representing a \u201chigh risk of life threatening injury\u201d in Latin America. In addition, the Chevrolet brand has shown the poorest performance of all the major global car manufacturers tested by Latin NCAP since 2010. \u00a0The basic model of the Aveo available to consumers in Latin American countries – such as Mexico (where the car is both manufactured and the top-selling model)- lacks even basic safety features, such as airbags, putting occupants at great risk. We find that information shocking.<\/p>\n

As American consumers, we appreciate the enhanced protections these technologies provide in saving lives and preventing injuries in the US. But we find it hard to fathom that GM would not provide all consumers \u2013 no matter where they live around the world \u2013 with these same protective technologies.<\/p>\n

Auto safety cannot only be for citizens living in wealthy countries; yet GM\u2019s practice of providing some consumers with the best safety technologies, while not even providing airbags to others, strikes us as a morally indefensible decision. Ms. Barra, GM is not alone in this practice, but in your capacity as CEO you have stated your commitment to auto safety technologies and doing right by consumers, and we think this is an issue that deserves your attention.<\/p>\n

Just last month, on the occasion of the 2nd<\/sup> Global High Level Conference on Road Safety, governments from around the world adopted a declaration for all new motor vehicles to meet minimum safety regulations:<\/p>\n

\u201cPromote the adoption of policies and measures to implement United Nations vehicle safety regulations or equivalent national standards to ensure that all new motor vehicles meet applicable minimum regulations for occupant and other road users protection, with seat belts, air bags and active safety systems such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) fitted as standard.\u201d<\/p>\n

At this propitious time, we are calling on each of the world\u2019s largest car manufacturers to commit to comply with the UN Vehicle Safety regulations for all new cars, regardless of where they are sold.<\/p>\n

This is particularly relevant to General Motors, as Latin NCAP has ranked it 8th out of 11 leading car manufacturers in Latin America, in terms of safety, and is the worst performing of any global manufacturer.<\/p>\n

This disparity in access to safety technologies has real consequences, with an unacceptable burden of road crash deaths and injuries highlighted by the World Health Organization and referenced by Consumers International in its letter. \u00a0<\/p>\n

The WHO has reported that:<\/p>\n