MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON SIDE AIR BAGS

Side-mounted air bag systems are now appearing as standard or optional equipment in the front seats of an increasing number of vehicles and, to a lesser extent, in rear seats. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Side Air Bags, manufacturers and importers have agreed that all new vehicles sold or imported into Canada will comply with internationally harmonized side impact standards.

The MOU also incorporates performance criteria and test procedures for side air bags in North American vehicles. Manufacturers will develop future side air bag designs according to procedures developed by a working group made up of road safety experts from Transport Canada, automobile manufacturers and the U.S. Insurance Institute on Highway Safety. The procedures incorporate test methods developed by Transport Canada. Consumers will see the new side air bags in vehicles as early as the 2003 model year.

Manufacturers will, on request, inform Transport Canada which new model vehicles are equipped with side air bag systems designed according to the recommended procedures. As well, they will provide data to the department demonstrating that a specific vehicle meets the guidelines

The following companies are the signatories to the MOU:

BMW Canada Inc.
Daewoo Auto Canada Inc.
Daimler Chrysler Canada Inc.
Ford Motor Company of Canada Limited
General Motors of Canada Limited (includes Saab and Isuzu)
Honda Canada Inc.
Hyundai Auto Canada
Jaguar Canada
Kia Canada Inc.
Lamborghini
Mazda Canada Inc.
Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
Nissan Canada Inc.
Porsche Cars Canada Ltd.
Rolls-Royce & Bentley Motor Cars
Subaru Canada Inc.
Suzuki Canada Inc.
Toyota Canada Inc.
Volkswagen Inc. and Audi of America
Volvo Cars of North America

March 2001