RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — Motor vehicle product manufacturers support new legislation introduced today that would provide consumers with a tax credit when purchasing a car or truck that has certain safety equipment installed, either as standard or optional equipment on their new vehicle.
“We believe that tax credits will accelerate the availability of safety-enhancing technologies to all consumers,” said Ann Wilson, vice president of government affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), North America’s largest and oldest trade association of automotive and heavy-duty truck product manufacturers. Wilson noted that a similar provision would provide a benefit for heavy-duty vehicle purchasers.
The legislation, H.R. 3591, which was introduced by Congressman Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), will offer consumers a wider range of safety equipment that is important to their personal driving needs.
“There are numerous safety technologies which are available today that can improve and positively impact safety on America’s roads,” Rep. Rogers said. “Providing a tax credit to consumers who equip their vehicles with safety products will bring these valuable products to market faster.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 42,000 Americans die every year as a result of 6 million crashes on American highways-an equivalent of 115 deaths each day, or one death every 13 minutes. In addition to the human loss, motor vehicle crashes cost society more than $150 billion a year — more than any other illness or injury.
According to Wilson, a recent study of 15,000 U.S. consumers across a wide range of demographic groups conducted by Harris Interactive, revealed that 58 percent of men along with 60 percent of women indicated they are interested in rollover control and protection, as well as side airbags and safety electronics.
“Perhaps most compelling, the study highlights a consumer willingness to pay a higher price for a vehicle in order to obtain these technologies and we urge Congress to support the Rogers bill, which is a critical means to advancing the deployment of technology that will positively impact the daily lives of thousands of America’s citizens,” Wilson said.
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