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Mercedes-Benz Issues Response to NHTSA Preliminary Side Airbag Data

21 April 1999

Mercedes-Benz Issues Response to NHTSA Preliminary Side Airbag Data

    MONTVALE, N.J., April 20 -- Mercedes-Benz USA is issuing this
statement in response to preliminary data released by the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding side airbags:

    "We are very interested in sharing our real-world experience with NHTSA in
discussions on the results of these one-time static laboratory tests.  We at
Mercedes-Benz have four-year's worth of actual, on-road accident data and the
results of extensive dynamic testing using actual vehicles, neither of which
have shown any indication of increased risk of injury to children.  We are
confident that our side airbag technology provides significantly increased
levels of protection.  The technology is both safe and effective.
    In order to take full advantage of the safety technology in our vehicles,
Mercedes-Benz strongly encourages parents to transport children in the rear
seat of their vehicle and to ensure that they are properly restrained."