Passenger cars required to have at least six airbags in India 

In recent years, many governments from around the world have been putting the hammer down when it comes to car safety via legislation. The most recent government to push ahead with more stringent car safety rules is India, which according to Reuters will be requiring all passenger cars to have six airbags. 

According to WHO, around 200,000 Indians lost their lives due to road accidents in 2016 [Photo: Marvin Castelino]

Do note that this ruling was drafted back in January, and it states that all cars made starting October 1, 2022 must have six airbags, which includes four passenger airbags as well as two side or curtain airbags. 

Of course, many car brands operating in India have put up a resistance to this decision. Safety is great and will improve brand image, sure. But for a car brand to equip its entire lineup with six airbags will have some costs. 

Then again, a government official said that “safety is non-negotiable.” Furthermore, India’s road transport ministry is already working on finalizing the said guidelines. The government thinks that it is worth it because at least according to them, it might save more lives. 

In turn, automakers have said that this decision will make even the smallest subcompact cars significantly more expensive. Even entry-level trims, which usually have just dual front airbags, will jump up in price.  

What does this mean for the Philippine market? Well, there’s some precedent for our own government in copying foreign legislation when it comes to road safety.  

Will this legislation affect the Indian-sourced, Philippine-spec S-Presso?

Furthermore, there are popular models currently sold here that are made in India. To this end, these ones might also come standard with six airbags.  

The ruling for import models from India isn’t clear yet though, but if this happens, we can expect more expensive versions of many Maruti-Suzuki products. What we’re talking about is the Jimny, the S-Presso, among others.  

So, do you think it’s a good idea to provide all passenger cars with six airbags even if they become more expensive?  

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