Carmakers respond to new stability control mandate

Last week, the NHTSA announced its final rules that will require electronic stability control on all light duty vehicles by September, 2011. For once, a new regulation on cars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been welcomed by car-makers instead of drawing complaints. This probably has something to do with the fact that pretty much every automaker is already planning to make stability control standard equipment, and can cheer itself on in advertisements for being ahead of the curve.

Ford is already making stability control standard equipment on its SUVs and crossovers, and other companies like General Motors and Toyota have committed to making ESC standard over the next few years. All carmakers agree that stability control is a technology that, unlike airbags and seatbelts, can actually help prevent accidents.

GM's official response to the new regulation can be found after the jump.

[Source: General Motors]

PRESS RELEASE:

GM Statement Regarding the DOT and NHTSA Final Rule on ESC Technology

Today's announcement by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding electronic stability control (ESC) implementation is a significant step forward in improving safety for millions of drivers and passengers alike. As shown in studies by NHTSA and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, widespread application of ESC has the potential to help greatly reduce crashes, save lives and prevent serious injuries. Additionally, ESC has been shown to mitigate many driving conditions that lead to rollover crashes.

"With the exception of safety belts, we believe that electronic stability control technology, like GM's StabiliTrak, provides the greatest potential to help protect motor vehicle occupants and help save lives," said Beth Lowery, vice president of Energy, Environment and Safety Policy. "We commend the DOT and NHTSA for making this commitment to protect vehicle occupants."

Since introducing its first vehicle with StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control in 1997, GM has been an industry leader in implementing the proven life-saving technology. In January 2005, GM committed to have StabiliTrak standard on all retail cars and trucks by the end of 2010.