air bag issue evora's future

1849 Views 5 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Nessal, May 10, 2014

rickj

Discussion Starter · Dec 30, 2013

I noticed that last march (I think) lotus sought a 2 year extension to comply with a smart air bag requirement. DOT gave them one year, which expires in a couple months. Lotus argued that it would be very expensive to comply (millions of dollars for relatively few sales).

I also noticed that the elise isn't imported anymore for the same or similiar
reason. Is that the future of the evora too? a few years imports and then they can't get them in anymore because of overstringent regulations.

I also wonder if that's one of the reasons many dealers are bailing on the brand.
thoughts? it hasn't seemed to effect the prices of the elises. If anyhing maybe they hold their value more since there no more new ones, at least until the next gen.

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

LotusCC

· #2 · Dec 30, 2013

I clearly have NO CLUE when it comes to the DOT airbag requirements, but why can't Lotus just source the dual stage airbags from another manufacturer?
Is it that crash tests need to be done to show the safety and function of the bags?

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

Save

tbd_Evora

· #3 · Dec 30, 2013

LotusCC said:
Is it that crash tests need to be done to show the safety and function of the bags?Sent from AutoGuide.com App

Exactly, Lotus needs to do the very expensive DOT crash tests with whatever solution they come up with and then repeat the tests for Europe and ROW. And, that cost has to be balanced against the volume of sales in US.

Save

cornbeef

· #4 · Dec 30, 2013

Pagani tried for an exemption for the Huayra and were told they'd have to comply before importing. I guess when a car is over $1m it's a little easier for them to tell them to spend the cash and comply. So we should be grateful that Lotus has a pass, at least for now.

As for the Elise, it also had a bumper exemption that expired - that's why it's not here any more.

Save

Julian73

· #5 · May 10, 2014

cornbeef said:
......

As for the Elise, it also had a bumper exemption that expired - that's why it's not here any more.

and an engine no longer available because it is not longer emissions compliant. Just a few nails in coffin.

Save

Nessal

· #6 · May 10, 2014

All the government requirements are stupid as hell anyways. The choice should be with the consumer to choose the risk that they want to take.

Save

1 - 6 of 6 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month