Automatic braking mandate stays firm despite industry pushback

A rule requiring automakers to include automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems in all vehicles is here to stay after federal regulators dismissed counter-arguments from the industry.

Driving the news: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed the policy, which would mandate all vehicles made after 2029 to include AEB systems, back in April.

• However, automakers argued the rule would increase production costs, make cars more expensive and make little impact on safety.

• The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, a lobby group representing most U.S. car manufacturers, called on the NHTSA to revise the regulation back in July, with group president John Bozzella calling it “practically impossible.”

• While the NHTSA made minor adjustments, the final policy is mostly unchanged.

Zooming in: One of the lobby group’s main criticisms of the law was that its standard for AEB detection was too high.

• The regulation requires systems “to stop and avoid contact with a vehicle in front of them up to 62 miles per hour” with the ability to detect pedestrians both during the day and at night. AEB must also be applied for incoming vehicle collisions up to 90 mph and up to 45 mph for pedestrians. 

• The alliance also pointed to a previous arrangement developed between nonprofit organizations, regulators and automakers that had sought to implement AEB systems across the industry voluntarily, arguing that the initiative made the federal agency’s new regulation unnecessary.

• However, consumer advocacy groups have applauded the NHTSA’s decision to keep the rule largely as is, arguing the policy will make a significant impact on traffic deaths and injuries.

Bottom line: The conflict between the NHTSA and the industry highlights the usual push and pull between regulators, lobbyists, companies and consumer advocacy groups. However, with a new administration headed into the White House, it’s possible the issue will be reopened in the coming months.

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