New NHTSA roof-strength regulations will add $1.4 billion in annual costs, will save 135 lives

The Transportation Department said today that the federal upgrade to the 35-year-old regulation on vehicle roof strength will add up to $1.4 billion to theĀ annualĀ cost of new vehicles. It said that the new federal requirement will save 135 lives and prevent more than 1,000 injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration boosted the new roof-strength requirement after facing pressure from Congress. Automakers said that the new standard will require new engineering and design challenges.

The new regulation boosts the requirement to three times to the weight for vehicles up to 6,000 pounds. Vehicles weighing from 6,000 to 10,000 pounds must meet 1.5 times standard. It said that the new regulation will add $54 per vehicle.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Detroit News