Toyota to offer ABS as standard across all models

Toyota was recently in news for being the first car maker in India to offer airbags as a standard fitment across its range. Now according to latest reports, the Japanese manufacturer is going to be the first manufacturer to offer anti-lock brakes in all of its cars sold in India. 

Anti-lock brakes, better known as ABS, is a safety feature which prevents a car’s wheels from locking up, whenever the driver applies the brakes too hard. The ABS system works in conjunction with the braking hardware in the car, and controls the amount of braking force sent to the wheel with the help of electronic sensors located in the wheels. This prevents the car from skidding during a panic stop situation, significantly reducing the probability of an accident. 

ABS systems are mandatory for all new large motorcycles, scooters and cars sold in the US and European markets. While ABS is offered as an optional extra in many cars sold in India, it still hasn’t been enforced as a mandatory feature for all the cars. At such a time, Toyota has shown goodwill by taking the first step towards making ABS available for all its new customers. 

Commenting on this move, Mr N Raja, director and senior VP, sales and marketing, Toyota Kirloskar told ET Auto: "The new safety regulations are likely to be enforced by 2017 and further norms towards pedestrian safety are also likely to be implemented by the end of the decade. Our current initiative will not only offer a safer car to our buyers, but also give us an edge against the competition."