Citation

Eickhoff B, Gulde A, Gerisch P. Vis. Zero Int. 2010; 2010(Jan): 48-50.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, UKIP Media)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Rising traffic congestion, high fuel costs and emerging markets in eastern Europe and Asia have led to an increased demand for small cars. However, these small cars also offer unique safety concerns. This article discusses the issues related to small car safety. Part of the problem stems from the complexity of different markets. In emerging or “inexpensive” markets, the primary concern is meeting the fundamental demands of occupant safety, which requires a reduction or avoidance of head impacts against the steering wheel or instrument panel. In more “sophisticated” markets such as Europe, Japan and the United States, the primary concern is increasing occupant safety standards by means of improving active and passive automotive safety. Weight and cost optimization are important goals for both markets, but the means for achieving these goals differ. In the inexpensive market, lower costs and weight of components can be used to meet minimal requirements. In more sophisticated models, weight and cost optimization can be obtained through integration of the restraint system into the entire vehicle environment, by taking the interior design and pulse into greater account. More investigation needs to be done about the differences and impact of vehicle geometry and kinematics In order to develop small cars that meet the needs of their particular market.