OEM vs. Aftermarket Structural Crash Parts
BodyShop Business tracks how collision industry leaders, parts manufacturers and legislators react to questions raised about the safety of structural aftermarket crash parts.
Keystone Automotive Announces Initial Test Results on Aftermarket Bumper Reinforcement
Company says aftermarket part meets federal safety standard.
Honda Issues Statement on Expansion of Driver’s Airbag Inflator Recall
An additional 378,758 vehicles in the U.S are being recalled. In total, Honda is aware of 12 incidents related to this issue as of February.
Most 2010 Vehicles to Have Standard Side Airbags
Though often optional in past model years, most automakers will make side airbags standard on 2010 vehicles, which are rolling into dealerships this month. As part of an agreement made in 2003, models from GM, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Mazda, Daimler AG, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, BMW and Volkswagen will feature standard
STRANGE BUT TRUE: Government Warns that Chili Dogs Cause Crashes
While everyone enjoys a snack behind the wheel now and then, some treats are more likely than others to cause crashes. Luckily, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute have narrowed down the top 10 foods most likely to cause a crash when eaten behind the wheel. 1. Coffee
‘Cash for Clunkers’ Program to Kick Off July 1
The "Cash for Clunkers" program will launch July 1 following the passage of the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act last week. The $1-billion program will provide consumers with cash vouchers to purchase new, more fuel-efficient vehicles after getting rid of less-efficient “clunkers” and will last until November. The program should allow about 250,000
STRANGE BUT TRUE: Donated Bodies Used for Crash Tests
A Kansas City, Mo., TV station uncovered a little-discussed component of impact tests funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA): sometimes, the test dummies aren’t dummies at all, but cadavers donated for medical research. The report by KSHB-TV Channel 41 raised concerns that those who donate their bodies to research may not realize
New Roof-Strength Standards to be Issued in December
Stiffer regulations regarding roof strength standards from the U.S. Department of Transportation originally due in July are expected to see the light of day in December, the agency said. In January, the department issued a proposed modification of the roof-strength standard to request public input on whether both sides of a vehicle roof should be
Ford to Introduce Collision Warning System in 2009
The Ford Motor Company will offer radar-based Collision Warning with Brake Support (CWBS) collision-avoidance technology on certain Ford and Lincoln vehicles in 2009, the company announced. CWBS, which is designed to prevent rear-end collisions, uses radar to detect moving vehicles directly ahead and has a brake-assist system to help drivers reach maximum braking sooner. Because
Protesters Speak Out Against Roof Crush Safety Proposal
Protesters rallied outside of the Department of Transportation Building in Washington, D.C., recently to protest a roof crush safety proposal which they believe will do little to save lives in automobiles that roll over. Rollovers make up less than 5 percent of all crashes, but 25 percent of all vehicle fatalities are from rollovers - exactly 10,000 every year,