The Japanese transport ministry has decided to require that car manufacturers equip passenger cars with ESC, starting with all new cars from 2012. The decision was made after the European Union also decided to make the installation of electronic stability control mandatory from next autumn.
ESC improves a vehicle’s stability by minimizing skid as it automatically applies the brakes upon detecting loss of steering control. Data shows that ESC realises a 30% cut in the occurrence of accidents. In Japan, the device was installed in 12% of 4.17 million passenger cars produced in Japan in 2008, according to the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association.
In Japan, the installation of ESC will become mandatory in October 2012 for new models, in October 2014 for existing models and new minivehicle models, and in February 2018 for existing minivehicle models.
eSafetyAware launched the Japanese ChooseESC! campaign in July 2009, with a press conference in Tokyo. 60 journalists heard from a distinguished panel of speakers about the functioning of ESC, its cost-benefit and effectiveness in reducing accidents. In a guest speech, Japanese rally star Kenjiro Shinozuka also underlined the importance of ESC to keep cars safely on track. During the event, journalists had the opportunity to experience the functioning of ESC in a simulator.
The event was organised by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) in cooperation with JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), NASVA (National Agency for Automotive Safety and Victim’s Aid), and eSafetyAware members BOSCH and Continental.
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