Global NCAP asks Datsun to withdraw the Go
Following the pathetic crash test results released by the Global NCAP, Chairman Max Mosley of the agency, has now written to Nissan Chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, for an immediate withdrawal of the Datsun Go from Indian, and related markets.
According to the report released earlier this week, the Datsun Go scored zero stars for adult occupant protection, and just two stars for child occupant protection. The structure of the Go was found to be unstable during collisions, and there is a high probability of life-threatening injuries in the event of a crash. The car’s lack of airbags meant that the driver’s head makes direct contact with the steering wheel and dashboard. The high level of forces that affect the crash test dummies point to a grave risk of death or serious injury. The report also explained failure of the body shell means that the fitting of airbags is not the remedy.
Mosley said: “It is extremely disappointing that Nissan has authorised the launch of a brand new model that is so clearly sub-standard. As presently engineered, the Datsun Go will certainly fail to pass the United Nation’s frontal impact regulation. In these circumstances I would urge Nissan to withdraw the Datsun Go from sale in India pending an urgent redesign of the car’s body-shell.”
The testing authority has also asked that the UN’s minimum crash test standards apply to all passenger cars produced worldwide, a key recommendation of the Global Plan for the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety. The release from Global NCAP tells Carlos Ghosn to demonstrate leadership, both in Nissan, and on behalf of the vehicle industry that generally that corresponds to the UN’s legitimate expectation that automobile safety should be improved during the Decade of Action.
Watch the Datsun Go crash test video here:
