Automakers Worried That Warning Sounds On Hybrids Would Be Too Loud

Two trade groups representing Detroit's Big Three automakers, Toyota Motor Corp., Volkswagen AG and other major Asian and European automakers raised serious concerns about the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's proposed rules mandating minimum sound levels to warn the visually impaired as well as bicyclists.

The rule "is too complicated and is unnecessarily prescriptive. If implemented as proposed, it would result in alert sounds that are louder than necessary, create driver and occupant annoyance and cost more than necessary," said the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Association of Global Automakers in joint written comments to NHTSA filed late Friday.

Sciros - 3/19/2013 1:51:58 PM

+1 Boost

They should have electric cars constantly playing Ice Cream Van music. People's selective hearing will notice those things coming a mile away.

Sciros - 3/19/2013 1:58:39 PM

+1 Boost

Also, this whole law seems really stupid. Why hybrids? Why not Lexus LS models that are also insanely quiet at low speeds? And is there any actual data to support that this is needed, or is it just straight-up FUD? I'm pretty sure it's FUD. And if the sounds are lounder than what some sports cars produce, then you can bet that most JP luxury cars would fall below that as well. Yet I don't see those cars smashing some disproportionate number of blind people or cyclists. Stupidity.

85bmw745i - 3/20/2013 5:59:13 PM

+1 Boost

I agree 100% Sciros. Many cars (especially Japanese) are so quiet you can't hear them running. My 1992 Celica GT with the 5S-FE 2.2l was so quiet at idle and idling in 1st gear you couldn't hear it at all except in the calm of the night, in which case the headlights give it away. This is retarded. Whatever happened to look both ways before crossing the street. Looks like they are once again making stipulations to accommodate and cater to stupid people.