New reality: Think crash, not just flash - Pressure for safety ratings hastens product cadence

摘要

NEW YORK - They didn't have display stands or news conferences, but the safety watchdogs at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and Consumer Reports magazine had an outsize effect on the cars unveiled here last week. Core products such as the Dodge Charger, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Jetta have gotten major midcycle overhauls to help them win a top rating from the IIHS and improve their chances of getting the sought-after recommended" status from Consumer Reports.