Automotive safety is in the political arena to stay—and it will be a long, long time before issues will be settled and acceptable standards will be worked out. Safety is too difficult an issue for the industry to defend articulately, and too easy an issue for politicians to present. Let’s look at some of the recent events:

· CBS will present a special program on the subject, a complicated task at best. Rebuttal on television is not as easy as it is in print.

· The General Services Administration has stepped up its safety requirements for Government fleets. This is certain to establish new safety levels that will tend to become minimum requirements—and a base for legislative proposals. (See page 31).

· Senator Warren G. Magnuson’s tire standards bill becomes a hot issue, particularly since a grade labeling amendment is now included.

· President Lyndon Johnson keeps his transportation safety program in the public spotlight. The impact of his influence on Federal and state legislation cannot be expected to be a moderating factor. His “package” is too big and too comprehensive.

In our opinion, the strategy of the automotive industry is clear. This is not the time to equivocate, or to lead from weakness. Let’s get the issues out on the table, examine them, and then take positive measures that meet criticisms constructively. Such action will blunt the efforts of the sensationalists and lead to constructive standards that must come from the joint efforts of the automotive industry and the lawmakers.

AdditionalStandards. This seems to be a year for standards. Latest to project a quality image are members of the Automotive Air Conditioning Association, Inc. They have just adopted measures for product performance that project the independent manufacturers into an industry-leader rule. Our congratulations to them on this step. A seal of certified quality will do much to aid fleet operators in purchasing air conditioners for their cars. The automotive air conditioning industry is reaching new highs this year. It is time that better buying information is made available.

Incidentally, if you are looking for the latest information on automotive air conditioning, we recommend our special report on this subject. It begins on page 16.