DOT AWARDS CONTRACTS TO BUILD EXPERIMENTAL CARS

Preliminary contracts were awarded to 2 companies for initiation of Phase III Of Research Safety Vehicle program designed to build and test safety features that could be included in cars by the mid 1980's. The program focuses on cars weighing less than 3,000 pounds that will permit survival of occupants in 50 mph head-on-crashes. This phase of the program will be followed by complete evaluation of emissions, fuel economy, damageability and safety, including crash testing of the vehicles. It is noted that the major objective of the program is to provide a sound technical data base for future cost-effective safety, damageability and fuel economy standards, and to encourage voluntary adoption of such features by the auto industry throught the world. Comments are made on the Calspan/Chrysler Corp's 2,700 pound car and the Minicars vehicle.

• Corporate Authors:

  Department of Transportation

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Publication Date: 1977-6-9

Media Info

• Pagination: 3 p.
• Serial:
  • Department of Transportation news
  • Publisher: Department of Transportation

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Automobile industry; Automobiles; Compact automobiles; Contracts; Crashworthiness; Exhaust gases; Frontal crashes; Fuel consumption; Needs assessment; Research; Safety; Safety equipment; Safety vehicles; Standards; Transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Safety features
• Old TRIS Terms: Small car
• Subject Areas: Research; Safety and Human Factors; Transportation (General);

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00163709
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: NHTSA--45-77 HP
• Files: TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 7 1978 12:00AM