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Making Light Trucks Safer

19 February 1998

America's Car Companies Committed to Continued Improvements in Light Truck Safety

    WASHINGTON, Feb. 18 -- The following statement was issued by
Andrew H. Card, Jr., President & CEO of the American Automobile Manufacturers
Association, in response to the review of light trucks and vans by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
    "America's Car Companies, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors, are leaders
in the development of automotive safety technology and are committed to the
safety of all occupants of all vehicles.  Their light trucks and vans -- a
category which includes vans, minivans, pickup trucks and sport utility
vehicles -- provide the utility, environmental sensitivity and safety that
American consumers want.
    "As part of their commitment to safety, AAMA's member companies will
continue to work with NHTSA and international researchers on the issue of
vehicle compatibility.  We look forward to participating in the international
LTV Summit in Detroit May 31 - June 4.
    "The vehicles produced by America's Car Companies are among the safest
vehicles on the road.  With new safety technology coming on line, including
side impact and head injury protection and air bags, our vehicles will be even
safer.  We will work to continue those gains in safety as we study the factors
that affect vehicle compatibility.
    "It is important to remember that driver and passenger behavior is a
critical part of the safety equation.  Buckling up and properly securing kids
in the rear seat are two of the best ways to make all vehicles even safer."
    AAMA is the trade association whose members are Chrysler Corporation, Ford
Motor Company, and General Motors Corporation.  The AAMA site on the World
Wide Web can be reached at http://www.aama.com.

SOURCE  American Automobile Manufacturers Association