According to the Global NCAP crash test results revealed a few days back, the Nissan Datsun Go received zero rating for adult safety, while receiving two star rating for child safety. In the view of this, Max Mosley, chairman, Global NCAP has written to Nissan's chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn, asking for an urgent withdrawal of the Datsun Go from the Indian and related markets.
Max Mosley, Global NCAP Chairman said: “It is extremely disappointing that Nissan has authorised the launch of a brand new model that is so clearly sub-standard. As presently engineered, the Datsun Go will certainly fail to pass the United Nation’s frontal impact regulation. In these circumstances, I would urge Nissan to withdraw the Datsun Go from sale in India pending an urgent redesign of the car’s body-shell."
A Nissan India spokesperson says that they are checking with the Nissan global CEO’s office to confirm receipt of the letter. The official further adds that, “We want to reassure you that Datsun GO meets the required local vehicle regulations in India as well as in Indonesia and South Africa. Datsun GO was developed with a strong intention to deliver the best adapted solutions to the local conditions.”
According to Global NCAP, when tested, the Datsun Go's structure disintegrated severely and the driver and the passenger sustained fatal injuries concentrated around the head, torso and legs. The tests results stated that it would be redundant to add airbags to improve safety of the passengers because of the failure of the structure.