Renault will open new safety research centres later this year in India, Morocco, and Romania and in Russia next year.
The centres will adapt the French carmaker’s safety planning and R&D to conditions in emerging markets, which differ from those in the mature markets of Western Europe.
Accidents in developing countries are much more likely to involve pedestrians than those in mature markets, leading to more serious injuries and deaths.
Poor roads, having too many people in a car, and failure to use seat belts and other safety devices also are factors in accidents. Research will cover everything from local accident data to driver attitudes and how the infrastructure figures into serious safety incidents.
The French carmaker has launched talks with government officials on what the evolution of infrastructure can bring to the safety question. The new Russian safety centre will be important for Renault and the safety issues will be a major part of Renault development plan for 2009.