Federal regulators and 18 automakers have agreed to develop new safety provisions on a voluntary basis.
The initiative was announced by US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx at a Detroit event coinciding with the ongoing auto show. General Motors CEO Mary Barra and FCA chief Sergio Marchionne were present at the presentation.
“Real safety is finding and fixing defects before someone gets hurt, rather than just punishing after the damage is done,” Foxx said. “The commitments we make today will help catch safety defects before they explode into massive recalls.”
The agency plans to take inspiration from the FAA’s safety management system, which has succeeded in minimizing accidents and deaths in the air transportation industry. The FAA approach is said to involve a “willingness among the airlines” to share safety data that can lead to early defect discoveries.
Automakers will also collaborate on efforts to protect vehicles from cybersecurity threats. The government recently launched an Information Sharing and Analysis Center to serve as a central hub for relevant information.
“This is a new way of doing business for everybody, and new ways don’t come easily,” Foxx added. “I’m eager to help these efforts take root and grow over the weeks and months to come.”
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