Automotive Industry

Stellantis and Renault are lobbying for a new, less-regulated category of small cars with fewer safety features

Lobbyists argue there is no need for safety requirements like those for high-speed collisions when it comes to small cars designed for city drivers.

Matthew Avery, director of strategic development at Euro NCAP, which tests new cars for safety, said the idea that small city cars would not be involved in highway accidents is nonsense. The Chinese are bringing cars to Europe that consistently get five-star ratings from Euro NCAP

A change in regulations to cut some safety requirements could leave smaller European cars with two- or three-star ratings, Avery said.