Will Honda Canada Follow Suit?
The American branch of Honda is making a lot of noise recently about adding extra safety items to its products as standard equipment, but Honda Canada is not going the same way -- at least not for now.
In the U.S., all Honda and Acura vehicles (with the exception of a small number of specialty vehicles) will get front side airbags, side curtain airbags, and anti-lock brakes as standard equipment before the end of 2006.
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| In the US all Honda and Acura SUVs and minivans will be equipped with vehicle stability assist and rollover sensors for side curtain airbag deployment. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
In the same time frame, all Honda and Acura SUVs and minivans will be equipped with vehicle stability assist and rollover sensors for side curtain airbag deployment.
The company also promised to "reduce aggressivity" toward other vehicles by using its Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure beginning with the 2005 model Honda Odyssey minivan and Acura RL sedan, and "further expand the use of features designed to reduce injuries to pedestrians."
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| "We want to provide all our customers with top level safety for all vehicles, regardless of size or price." (Photo: Honda) |
Koichi Kondo, president of American Honda Motor Co, Inc., said "We want to provide all our customers with top level safety for all vehicles, regardless of size or price."
In response to a question, Naofumi Sakamoto of Honda Canada confirmed that the initiative was currently for the U.S. only, but he added that "It is our direction at Honda Canada that we will take the same approach in regard to safety issues."
Sakamoto said Honda Canada is now assessing details of the U.S. decision, but "at the moment we cannot assure that we will follow the same application and schedule as the U.S."