| Steyr case |
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“Unfortunately you will not get even one single star in the EuroNCAP evaluation by implementing our ‘Sliding Collision’ system.” This rather depressing statement was made recently by Matthias John. Head of Advanced Development at Magna Steyr, which has developed this live-saving active-safety system. The Sliding Collision system is intended to mitigate the severe structural damage caused during so-called ‘offset collisions’ when opposing off-side front wheels lock together and cause deformations in the car’s body structure that lead to a massive decrease in the cabin survival-space. Magna Steyr’s system would prevent the wheels locking and instead reduce the impact to little more than a glancing blow, with minimal body deformation. The prototype Sliding Collision design comprises a bar behind the front bumper that, when struck by the front wheel of one car, is automatically propelled outwards (presumably by a pyrotechnic device) in front of the wheel of the other car. In this way it is impossible for the wheels to become locked, says Magna Steyr. (A schematic representation of Sliding Collision in action can be found on the Magna Steyr website.) A further development involves a device attached to the steering tie-rod, which, when triggered, turns the front wheel away from the point of impact. Unfortunately, there are cost and weight implications – the bete noir of motor manufacturers – and that is likely to hinder the introduction of Sliding Collision hardware. In the words of Mr John: A joint initiative of all car manufacturers, automobile associations and users is necessary to boost the readiness for implementing ‘Sliding Collision’ in order to save lives”. Some legislative pressure would not go amiss, either, which sounds like a matter for your MEP. You can find all the British MEPs on the europarl website, along with their email addresses. Why not state the case? Change happens, and it could start with you.
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