New Delhi: Governments push for enhanced car safety standards has seen various measures come into effect, including mandatory features like parking sensors, speed alert systems, and seat belt reminders for all passengers. Notably, Maruti Suzuki Indias MD and CEO, Hisashi Takeuchi, has announced plans to incorporate six airbags as standard in certain car models. Currently, Maruti offers six airbags in select models like Baleno, FrontX, Brezza, and Grand Vitara, albeit not across all variants.Maruti plans to introduce six airbags as standardWhile Marutis flagship Invicto and Jimny models already feature six airbags across all variants, these are limited to the Zeta and Alpha trims. However, in most models retailed through Nexa dealerships, including Sigma, Delta, Zeta, and Alpha variants, the company plans to introduce six airbags as standard. The upcoming new generation Swift, set for launch on May 9, will adhere to this standard.Initially slated for implementation in 2022, the mandate for six airbags in all car variants was postponed following statements by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. Despite manufacturers like Maruti already offering six airbags and advertising such features, the mandate was deferred to October 2023 before being ultimately scrapped.Maruti finds relief with new decisionMaruti, previously concerned about the impact of the six-airbag policy on its smaller car models, is expected to find relief with this decision. The company had expressed apprehension about the increased costs and potential exclusion of budget-conscious consumers from purchasing smaller hatchback models. Marutis chairman, RC Bhargava, highlighted the need for alternative measures to address road safety concerns beyond merely mandating six airbags in all cars.
