GM to phase out cars without airbags

Following the failure of a crash test involving the Cherolet Sail in Latin America, General Motors is moving swiftly to phase out cars under its portfolio without air bags and other safety features. The Sail is made in China and exported to emerging markets at a starting price of less than $10,000.

The Latin New Car Assessment Program – an independent testing organisation said recently that the Sail had scored zero stars in its latest tests. The Sail was unstable; it said, had no airbags and did not have three-point seat belts for all its occupants.

It’s one of several Chevrolets that have fared poorly in the tests. The Aveo, Spark and Agile cars without air bags also been given zero stars on Latin NCAP’s tests. Many other brands – including Chery, Geely, Hyundai, Nissan, Fiat and Renault  also sell cars that have been given zero stars in the group’s crash tests.

Latin NCAP secretary general Alejandro Furas said GM should follow the example of Honda, Toyota and Volkswagen, all of which sell cars that exceed minimal safety standards in Latin America. Earlier this year, GM boss Mary Barra defended selling cars without air bags in markets that don’t require them, saying they are more affordable for low-income buyers.

But GM has reiterated a pledge it made in mid-2015 to spend $5 billion developing safer cars for emerging markets. The cars will have airbags and three-point seat belts in all positions, the company said, and would begin appearing in the 2019 model year.

The America automaker shares the goal of improving road safety worldwide, including the adoption of basic auto safety standards in global markets and the phase-out of zero-star cars.