More calls for ESP as standard

Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Thatcham wants standard stability control
Only 40% of new cars sold in UK have ESP
98% of What Car? readers want ESP as standard

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An influential research body has echoed What Car?'s call for stability control to be fitted as standard to all new cars.

Insurance research body Thatcham pointed to studies that show how stability control, sometimes referred to as ESP, can significantly reduce the risk of death and serious injury.

While it can cost a manufacturer just an additional £50 for a manufacturer to fit stability control, Thatcham says it is shocking that it is found on less than 40% of new cars available in the UK, compared with 60% in Germany and 90% in Sweden. Thatcham puts the average cost of stability control to the UK motorists at £450, but the most you can expect to pay is £1000.

Thatcham's crash laboratory manager Matthew Avery said: 'British motorists, their passengers and other road users deserve the very best. Do manufacturers think that their lives are less valuable?'

Only Audi, Cadillac, Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche and Volvo fit stability control to all of their cars, says Thatcham, while Chevrolet, Daihatsu, Lotus, Proton and Suzuki don't even offer it as an option.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders said stability control is just one of a series of systems that have been developed to make cars safer. It says Thatcham urgently needs to recommend that insurers offer discounts to motorists with cars fitted with the system.

SMMT spokesman Nigel Wonnacott said: 'Millions of pounds have been spent on accident avoidance systems. They've saved the insurance industry millions of pounds and it's high time that was recognised in cheaper insurance for customers.'

Insurance figures suggest damage costs are reduced by 15% in cars fitted with stability control, so the SMMT says drivers should receive a 15% discount for having a car fitted with the set up.

While that may help to offset and eventually recover the cost of specifying the system where it is not standard, whatcar.com readers are adamant it should be fitted to all cars to start with.

In our poll, 98% of you said it should be a standard safety feature of every new car on sale.

Click the links below to watch our video on how ESP could save your life.

• Windows Media Player: ESP Video
• RealOne Player: ESP Video