China issues tougher crash test standards
China's Automotive Technology and Research Center has issued new standards for automakers to conduct offset frontal crash tests at speeds of 65 kph (40 mph), up from 56 kph (35 mph), reports Asia Pulse, a news Web site.
The center also is adding an optional test for whiplash.
The new standards for the China New Car Assessment Program will take effect on July 1, 2012. The crash tests award vehicles from one to five stars.
Models developed by international automakers generally qualify easily for a five-star rating, but only half a dozen Chinese models have done so.
