Tata Motors’ Focus on Safety: The ‘How’ and ‘Why’ Behind Cars that Care

Tata Motors is making significant strides in ensuring vehicle safety with all six of its internal combustion engine (ICE) cars achieving safety ratings of four stars or higher by Global NCAP. Mohan Savarkar, Chief Product Officer at Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, emphasizes the importance of manufacturing safer cars, with plans to introduce even more advanced safety technologies.
In an interaction with HT Auto, Savarkar highlighted the shift in Indian auto consumers towards safer vehicles due to increased awareness and the significance of safety post-COVID. The introduction of Bharat NCAP by the Indian government has also played a crucial role in encouraging OEMs to provide safer cars tested to higher standards.
To ensure higher safety ratings of vehicles, Tata Motors focuses on factors like energy absorption in crash situations through crumple zones and seatbelt technology. The company prioritizes passenger protection with intelligent seatbelts that tighten pre-crash and release post-crash, along with providing airbags for impact cushioning.
In side crash scenarios, Tata Motors incorporates side airbags and curtain airbags to protect occupants’ vital organs. Special attention is given to CNG models, ensuring extra protection for heavier vehicles and implementing measures to prevent CNG-related accidents such as an auto shutoff valve to stop gas flow in case of a collision.
While most Tata passenger vehicles have achieved 5-star safety ratings, Tata Motors aims to enhance the safety rating of lower-end models like the Tiago and Tigor to be the safest in their respective segments. Savarkar acknowledges the evolving consumer trends towards prioritizing safety in car purchases, noting a shift in market preferences towards safer vehicles.
Despite advancements in vehicle safety, efforts towards creating social awareness and encouraging adherence to traffic rules are essential. Tata Motors recognizes the importance of infrastructure improvements by local and central government bodies to enhance road safety measures, including segregated spaces for different modes of transportation and enforcement of traffic regulations.
First Published Date: 18 Mar 2024, 12:09 PM IST