6. '73 Chevy models offer airbags, a first
It almost seems a bit shocking that it took so long for the auto industry to integrate airbags into their design and engineering plans. While the technology and patent was born in the '50s, it took nearly two decades for the innovation to hit the auto industry. GM was the first to introduce them into their vehicles, starting with Chevrolets only sold for government officials. Shortly after, GM's Oldsmobile Toronado was the first production car to offer a passenger airbag to the general public.
It almost seems a bit shocking that it took so long for the auto industry to integrate airbags into their design and engineering plans. While the technology and patent was born in the '50s, it took nearly two decades for the innovation to hit the auto industry. GM was the first to introduce them into their vehicles, starting with Chevrolets only sold for government officials. Shortly after, GM's Oldsmobile Toronado was the first production car to offer a passenger airbag to the general public.