The Global NCAP’s crash test results on India-spec cars earlier this year hadn’t been any encouraging. The same threw light on consumer behavior as well as the manufacturers’ need to keep the price low in the price-sensitive entry-level segment.It is also said that the same cannot be blamed solely on the manufacturer, for the customer also opts out of safety equipment to cut costs. Safety is on the backburner for most Indian customers of passenger cars, especially buyers of the entry-level segment.

The blame falls squarely on Maruti Suzuki, though it is also due to its highly voluminous catering to the entry-level hatchback segment. The Indian carmaker’s 11 models get ABS and Airbags, either as standard or as option. However, only 37 percent of Maruti’s customers opt for safety equipment as ABS, EBD or Airbags. Even the 37 percent is also fostered by the Maruti’s premium models Baleno, S-Cross and the Vitara Brezza.

At the same time, the Maruti Suzuki Alto contributing to about 16 percent sales of the Maruti has sold only 5 percent of the 16 percent with the optional airbag. Though it costs only Rs. 6000, customers aren’t too pleased to add to their final price.

However, the WagonR sells 15 percent with safety tech as dual airbags, which is optional. Besides the Alto, the WagonR is also a high-volume selling model for the Maruti with both the Alto and WagonR contributing to about 30 percent of the total sales of the Maruti Suzuki. However, it is still the high volume selling models that become a cause for worry, as huge numbers of cars are selling without basic as well as premium safety equipment.

Customer awareness is the key, making safety tech seem important, as they truly are. While customers should shell out the extra buck for safety, the Government will also be doing good making safety equipment mandatory in all cars sold in India.