Global NCAP asks Datsun Go to leave India

After failing the Global NCAP crash tests, the stewards of automobile safety globally have asked the Nissan CEO to withdraw the car from the Indian market

Last week, the Indian automobile industry was on its toes. Reason was Maruti Suzuki Swift and Datsun Go failing the crash tests conducted by the highest authority worldwide in the field of automobile safety – Global NCAP. Now taking it a step ahead and acting on it, Global NCAP has asked Nissan to stop selling it in India and related markets.

This doesn’t look like a good news for a car that is very new in the market and is trying to stand on its feet in a country that is governed by small cars. It also might mean the end of life for the Datsun Go as, according to Global NCAP, its unstable shell doesn’t leave any scope for addition of airbags.

In his letter, Max Mosley, Chairman, Global NCAP told Carlos Ghosn, CEO, Nissan, “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 car will certainly fail to pass the United Nations frontal impact regulation. In these circumstances, I would urge you to withdraw the Datsun Go from sale in India (and any other markets where it is being sold), pending a redesign of the car's body-shell to make it worthwhile to fit airbags.”

Indian automobile industry has been crying foul play over the latest development. It is not a debatable fact that in the Indian market, Japanese and Korean automobile manufacturers rule, and despite trying hard, European cars have not managed to come even close to them. It also is highly probable that the European manufacturers are asking agencies like Global NCAP to go a little harsh on Indian cars as everyone is trying hard to make a mark here. But, the consumer can be on the winning side if Nissan takes it seriously as, after failing the crash tests earlier this year, Volkswagen had started giving standard airbags in all its cars then on. We won't be surprised if Nissan follows suit.