Citation

Phelps JL. IATSS Res. 1988; 12(2): 7-12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, International Association of Traffic and Safety Sciences, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The increasingly international nature of the motor industry and the desire for free access to world markets are major considerations which argue forcibly in favor of international harmonization of technical regulations concerning road vehicles. International harmonization of technical provisions will lead to a substantial saving in manufacturing and ministry of costs and will, in addition, promote the concept of the world car, thus facilitating entry into world markets and reduce the price of the vehicle to the customer. Top priority should be accorded to those safety matters where differences between existing or envisaged national and multinational technical regulations make an important and otherwise avoidable call on the resources of the motor industry. In order to achieve harmonization, participating governments must adopt a constructive approach and be prepared to accept compromise solutions. Initial efforts should be concentrated on harmonizing test procedures and test equipment. Taxation, driver licensing, vehicle insurance, tariff structures, etc., can also have a significant influence on vehicle design and call for close examination by a suitable competent body or bodies as part of an overall harmonization effort.