Brazil to introduce new safety requirements in 2014

Up to 60% of new-vehicle production already includes the safety features, but the change will mean the end to some of the older models on the market.

Brazilian automakers must comply with a new regulation requiring airbags and ABS in 2014, reports the Wall Street Journal. Finance Minister Guido Mantega confirmed the regulation on Tuesday (17 December), following speculation last week that the measure might be delayed due to cost concerns. Meanwhile, the increase in Brazil's industrial products tax on vehicles will also start in 2014, with details due to be released next week. The new safety requirements mean all cars and some light trucks must have driver and front-passenger airbags, as well as ABS in all vehicles except motorcycles and rural vehicles, beginning in 2014.