PALM SPRINGS, CA, April 14, 1997--The American Automobile Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) met here to further the industry's objectives on global harmonization of motor vehicle safety regulations and other matters of interest to industry and government, such as global climate negotiations, product liability and National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

Agreement was reached to seek government consideration for harmonization of eight safety standards. The standards are: Head Restraint Systems, Safety Belts, Safety Belt Anchorages, Child Restraint Systems, Lighting Devices, Door Locks and Door Retention Components, Seating Systems and Glazing Materials. The committee also reconfirmed that the United Nations (ECE/Working Party 29) is the proper forum to achieve harmonization of standards. This committee action is consistent with similar work underway in Europe to develop globally accepted motor vehicle regulations.

The committee agreed that frontal crash, side impact and six additional vehicle system regulations will be the next priorities for discussion.

It was also agreed that air bags are effective supplemental safety devices when used with safety belts and that the U.S. Government should support this technology by permitting deactivation only in very limited circumstances and by not limiting the time period for the use of the lower-powered air bags.

The next Cooperation Committee Meeting will be held in the fall in Japan.

For more information, contact Charley Powers, (202) 452-1670--JAMA News Bureau