India seeks to develop method for rating passenger automobile safety

• India is the fifth-largest auto market in the world with yearly sales of over 3 million vehicles.
• India is also home to some of the world’s deadliest roads.
• Road transport ministry will rate cars from one to five stars, starting in April 2023.

A safety rating system for passenger cars is being implemented in India in the hopes that it will motivate automakers to include cutting-edge safety technologies and increase the “export worthiness” of their products.

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According to tests evaluating the protection of adult and kid occupants as well as safety assist technology, the road transport ministry will rate cars from one to five stars.

In April 2023, the new system is expected to go into action.

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Despite opposition from certain automakers who claim it will increase vehicle costs, India, which has some of the world’s deadliest roads, has also suggested mandating that all passenger cars have six air bags.

Two airbags are required by current regulations, one for the driver and one for the front passenger.

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With yearly sales of over 3 million vehicles, India is the fifth-largest auto market in the world.

The two automakers with the highest sales are Maruti Suzuki, which is majority owned by Suzuki Motor of Japan, and Hyundai Motor.